National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is observed every year on May 8 by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This day is set aside to raise awareness on disaster preparedness for animals and how to cater to them in dire situations. Your pets’ safety and well-being will be extremely dependent on you in an emergency. Your pets need to be included in your disaster emergency plans. On this day, learn many ways to keep your cherished pets safe in the event of a disaster.
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.
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day FAQs
What are the five disaster planning components?
Comprehensive training, involvement of healthcare leaders, clear communication, technology fail-safes, and procedure and asset understanding.
What is in a pet's first aid kit?
Food, water, leash, food bowl, can opener, plastic bags, medicines, pictures, and information must all be included in the pet emergency pack.
Does the Red Cross assist animals?
The Red Cross is a disaster relief organization. They treat injured animals and give them refuge.
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.
National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May 8 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 8 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 8 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 8 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 8 | Monday |
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