Shelter from the Storm: Companion Animal Emergency Planning in Nine States

Authors

Jessica J. Austin, Canisius College

Keywords

Companion animals, emergency planning, animal welfare, disaster management

Abstract

Failure to evacuate pets in an emergency has negative implications for public health, the economy, emotional well-being of pet owners, and physical health of animals. These effects may be at least partially mitigated by a robust plan to accommodate pets. Nine state companion animal emergency plans were reviewed to determine the extent to which they addressed the needs of companion animals, utilizing characteristics of a model emergency plan. States were compared utilizing variables such as population, pet friendliness, and emergency preparedness funding in order to explain differences in plan composition. This comprehensive review produced a list of recommendations for emergency managers as they create future versions of their plans.

Recommended Citation

Austin, Jessica J. (2013) "Shelter from the Storm: Companion Animal Emergency Planning in Nine States," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 40: Iss. 4, Article 11.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3767
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol40/iss4/11