Saving Pets Saves Lives

APHIS' Animal Care program is charged with providing technical assistance and subject matter expertise on the safety and well-being of household pets during disasters. In advance of an emergency, this means facilitating household pet emergency management discussions among Federal, State, and local governments, as well as non-governmental organizations, as they develop and test disaster response plans. During a disaster, Animal Care can provide support to States to ensure the safe evacuation, transportation, shelter, and veterinary care of household pets and service animals.

One of the many important lessons learned after Hurricane Katrina is that making sure pets are safe and well-cared-for during a disaster can make it easier to evacuate their owners - a practice proven to save many human lives. APHIS' Animal Care program is highly qualified and fully prepared to work with State and local emergency responders and humane organizations integrating State and Federal disaster assistance planning.

Animal Care Emergency Programs Information

Animal Care Emergency Programs

Saving Pets Saves Lives Brochure (pdf)

Saving Pets Saves Lives Factsheet (pdf)

Information from Partners in Emergency Management