When a wildfire, flood, or storm strikes a community, homes and infrastructure may be destroyed, people are forced to evacuate, and pets are sometimes left behind. A study published this week shows that the number of cats and dogs in shelters increases after a disaster. Researchers looked at data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to see if there was a connection between the disasters and the surge in shelter animals. Brown, an associate professor of public health at the University of Arizona, wanted to learn more about how pets were being affected by climate disasters. She said that people struggle with their animals when they arestruggling. What do we see in terms of integrating human and animal responses to disasters in cities and states?
Data from FEMA and SAC was analyzed by Brown. Some counties asked for federal aid after hurricanes and fires. Different types of disasters affect dog and cat numbers in shelters. Shelters saw an influx of dogs after hurricanes, with many arriving in the month of the storm. The number of cats euthanized increased after the fires. The study suggests that cats may be more likely to be euthanized after a fire.
I'm an animal owner. I don't have a pet. The effects of fire on cats were surprising to Brown. Understanding the context in which these things are happening is very important.
People trying to leave disaster zones with their pets are protected. The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act was passed after HurricaneKatrina. Many counties don't have effective plans for different types of animals despite the act requiring it. The Red Cross doesn't allow animals in some centers.
According to the study, pets should be included in evacuated plans for their own safety and for the mental well-being of their owners. Researchers pointed to a report in which pet owners were found to have lower levels of post traumatic stress disorder than non-pet owners during and after disasters. As we respond to emergencies and deal with mental health issues, they are so important. There are people who will either save themselves or wait with their animals.
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