- Categories:
- Cause
- Tags:
- AwarenessPetSafety
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every May 8
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐾
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, observed every May 8, highlights the critical need to include pets in emergency plans. This day, spearheaded by FEMA, raises awareness on how to protect and care for animals during dire situations. Create a pet emergency kit, identify safe shelters, and practice evacuation routes to keep your cherished companions safe.
Want to sponsor National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day? Learn how
Expected National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day Deals
As a Cause holiday, National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day focuses on education and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the ASPCA and the American Red Cross often partner with local shelters and veterinary clinics to offer workshops on pet first aid and disaster planning. Look for donation drives for pet food, blankets, and carriers at pet supply stores like PetSmart and Petco. Many local humane societies run matching gift campaigns, encouraging contributions to support their emergency response teams. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as May 8 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #AnimalPreparedness. Share photos of your pet’s emergency kit or a ‘go-bag’ for inspiration.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #PetSafety. Post quick tips for pet owners on what to do during specific natural disasters.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #AnimalDisasterPreparedness. Share resources from FEMA or local animal welfare groups.
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day Hero
Henry Bergh
History of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day was established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA), in 2010. Natural disasters are becoming more common and more powerful all around the planet. Tornadoes are wreaking havoc in previously uncharted territory, hurricanes are making landfall, monsoon seasons are being renamed flood seasons, and earthquakes are rumbling louder than ever. Natural calamities have an impact on animals, just as they do on humans. As animal caregivers and companions and as environmental stewards, we must take the duty of decreasing the impact of disasters on the creatures we love by being aware of and mitigating the hazards that we all face. Hurricane Katrina hit the United States in 2005. It was eventually estimated that 600,000 animals, including dogs, birds, and cats, died as a result of the disaster.
In response to natural disasters and emergencies, certain agencies are created. FEMA was established by President Jimmy Carter’s Executive Order, which took effect on April 1, 1979. FEMA was given the dual role of emergency management and civil defense when the “Executive Order” was signed.
Hurricane Katrina led to the approval of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act —commonly referred to as the “PETS Act” — by a bipartisan majority in Congress and its signing into law in October of 2006. FEMA launched the National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day in 2010. Many more emergency response agencies have sprung up over the years.
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day timeline
FEMA is established by President Jimmy Carter's Executive Order.
Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act is signed into law by a bipartisan majority in Congress.
The National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is established by FEMA.
2020 marks the tenth anniversary of the National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day initiative by FEMA.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
Local veterinary clinics and pet grooming salons can host free workshops on pet first aid and emergency evacuation plans. Pet supply stores might offer discounts on pet carriers, leashes, and emergency food supplies, or partner with local shelters for donation drives. Animal shelters can use the day to promote fostering programs for pets displaced by disasters and share success stories of rescued animals. Even non-pet businesses can share preparedness tips on social media, emphasizing the importance of including all family members, furry ones included, in safety plans.
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day FAQs
When is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day?
In 2027, National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day falls on Saturday, May 8. It’s a crucial annual reminder to ensure our animal companions are included in all disaster planning.
How many pets are affected by natural disasters each year?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a significant percentage of pet owners do not have a disaster plan for their animals, leading to widespread issues during emergencies. This highlights the ongoing need for awareness and preparation.
What should be in a pet emergency kit?
For 2027, ensure your pet’s emergency kit contains updated copies of medical records, a sturdy carrier, comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket, and a list of pet-friendly hotels or shelters in case of evacuation.
Is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day a federal holiday?
While not a federal holiday in 2027, this day serves as a critical annual initiative. It underscores the importance of proactive planning to protect animals, a message consistently reinforced by government agencies and animal welfare groups.
How to Observe National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
Share on social media
You can use social media to raise awareness about National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. You can write blogs about the event or build a campaign around it. Don't forget to use appropriate hashtags.
Make donations
You can donate money and help collect finances for animal rescue organizations in the event of a tragedy. Distribute posters and leaflets in your neighborhood to help spread awareness.
Create an emergency supply kit
Spend the day by making an emergency supply kit with everything you'll need. Preparing your family and pets for crises now can assist to secure their safety if something unexpected happens. It's a good idea to prepare two kits: one for if you need to stay where you are and another that you can take with you if you need to flee.
5 Facts ABout Animal Disasters
1.3million farm animals killed
Two climate change disasters in British Columbia resulted in the deaths of 1.3 million farm animals.
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina hit the United States in 2005, killing 600,000 animals.
Wildfire kills millions
Millions of animals can perish in a single wildfire.
Hurricane Dorian
Winds gusted to 295 km/h during Hurricane Dorian in 2019, displacing and orphaning many animals.
100,000 New Zealand birds killed
Half of the enormous breeding colony was buried by falling boulders after the 2016 quake near Kaikoura, New Zealand, and it is estimated that 25% of the 100,000 birds died.
Why National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is Important
It prepares individuals for disaster scenarios
Every year, disasters disturb hundreds of thousands of lives and have long-term consequences for both people and property. Local responders may not be able to reach you right away, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere, so disaster preparedness can help.
It increases survival rate
Preparedness for catastrophes can help to decrease the dread, anxiety, and losses that come with them. During calamities, knowing what to do, how to do it, and when to do it increases the chances of survival.
It reduces loss
Emergencies and disaster preparedness is critical in averting or mitigating the effects of disasters. Disaster preparedness is critical in reducing the loss of a community or country.
Social Media Tips for National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
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