Only one-third of Americans have a disaster preparedness plan that includes their pets, according to new research.
A survey of 2,000 dog and cat owners revealed that over half of Americans (52%) believe natural disasters are inevitable, while 29% admit to losing sleep worrying about natural disasters and the safety of their homes.
Despite concerns about the likelihood of natural disasters, fewer than half (45%) of respondents have a plan in place to deal with such emergencies, and even then, their plans may not include all vital elements — including provisions for their pets.
Commissioned by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and conducted by Talker Research, the survey results underscore the importance of planning for natural disasters, especially during National Preparedness Month in September.
Eight in ten Americans believe it’s important to have a disaster preparedness plan that includes their pets. For those who do have a plan, the primary concern is ensuring they have enough food and water for their pets (73%).
Other key considerations include physically being able to transport their pets and their belongings (60%), and making sure they have an up-to-date disaster preparedness kit for their pets (48%).
The survey also asked respondents what they would include in an emergency kit for their pets, highlighting the necessities and comfort items that should be packed to ensure preparedness.
Forty percent of respondents already have kits prepared for their pets. The most common items in these kits are food (85%), water (80%), and both water and food bowls (77% and 73%, respectively).
Treats aren’t overlooked, with 69% of pet owners ensuring these are included in their kits.
Half of pet owners (51%) also pack their pet’s favourite toy, and a third (32%) even add clothing that smells like them, likely to help comfort their pets in an emergency situation.
“Disasters often strike with little warning, so it is crucial to have a plan in place to protect your family and your pets,” said Dr Rebecca Tremble, Veterinarian and US Strategic Partnership Lead at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “For over a decade, Hill’s Disaster Relief Network has coordinated emergency deliveries of pet food for organisations caring for pets impacted by crises. We also want to ensure pet parents are prepared before disaster strikes. In addition to creating a disaster plan, preparing a pet emergency kit will help you act quickly when needed. This kit should include essentials such as a three-day supply of your pets’ food and water, basic first aid supplies and a safety harness and lead.”
Even among those who have a disaster preparedness plan for their pets, many believe there is room for improvement.
When asked how they could enhance their plans, 42% said they wanted to ensure they had enough resources, while others focused on having sufficient funds (39%) or keeping their kits up to date (36%).
In addition to preparing disaster kits, some pet owners have taken extra precautions by microchipping their dogs (45%) and cats (34%) to make it easier to locate their pets during a crisis.
The survey also revealed the top concerns pet owners face when preparing a disaster plan for their pets, including the fear of being separated from their pet during a natural disaster (49%), not having enough funds (39%), and lacking adequate resources (37%).
Pet owners aren’t facing these challenges alone, with respondents reporting that their partners (45%), their children (26%), and even their pets’ veterinarians (22%) are involved in creating and executing their pet disaster preparedness plans.
“When creating a preparedness plan for your pet, remember to also consult experts like your pets’ veterinarian and your local animal shelter,” said Dr Roberta Westbrook, Chief Animal Welfare and Medical Officer at Houston SPCA. “They can offer advice and resources to help coordinate a comprehensive plan, including checking that your pets’ microchips are updated and identifying pet-friendly locations in case you have to leave home.”
Top 10 Items Included in Disaster Preparedness Kits:
- Food: 85%
- Water: 80%
- Water bowl: 77%
- Food bowl: 73%
- Treats: 69%
- A blanket: 65%
- A lead: 60%
- A pet carrier: 56%
- Pet’s favourite toy: 51%
- Pet’s collar: 49%
