ASPCA Urges Pet Owners to Prepare for Above-Normal 2024 Hurricane Season

NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2024 — As the United States braces for what experts predict to be an extraordinarily active Atlantic hurricane season, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is ramping up efforts to ensure pet owners are prepared for potential disasters. The organization’s push comes as part of National Preparedness Month this September, with a particular focus on the unique challenges posed by this year’s weather patterns.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted an above-normal hurricane season for 2024, citing near-record warm ocean temperatures as a primary factor. This prediction has raised concerns among disaster response experts, particularly regarding the safety of companion animals during extreme weather events.

“Thorough, effective disaster and emergency preparedness plans are essential among pet owners, especially as animal welfare organizations and shelters across the country continue to face capacity and resource challenges, making it even more difficult for them to support at-risk animals and pet owners impacted when disaster strikes,” said Susan Anderson, Director of Disaster Response for the ASPCA National Field Response Team. “With more than 80 percent of pet owners living in a community that experiences disaster situations, it’s critical to be your pet’s first line of defense. During National Preparedness Month and beyond, we hope pet owners take the necessary precautionary measures to ensure that their families – including their pets – remain safe and healthy.”

The ASPCA has outlined several key steps for pet owners:

• Include pets in evacuation plans and never leave them behind.
• Identify pet-friendly emergency shelters or alternative safe havens.
• Prepare emergency kits with at least 7-10 days of supplies for pets.
• Ensure pet identification tags and microchip information are up to date.

You can download a complete checklist of preparedness tips from the ASCPA here: Pet Preparedness Tips and a pet disaster kit checklist here: Pet Disaster Kit

These recommendations come at a time when animal welfare organizations and shelters across the country are facing capacity and resource challenges, making it potentially more difficult to support animals and pet owners affected by disasters.

The ASPCA’s disaster response team has been actively involved in recent relief efforts, including assistance during the Park Fire in California and Tropical Storm Debby in the Southeast. Since its inception in 2010, the team has responded to over 77 disasters and helped more than 128,000 animals in crisis.

Beyond direct response efforts, the ASPCA is working on systemic changes to improve disaster preparedness for pets. The organization has awarded nearly $2.4 million in grants since 2021 to agencies providing disaster support for companion animals. Additionally, the ASPCA has successfully advocated for laws in California, Colorado, and Nevada that require local governments to designate pet-friendly sheltering sites during evacuations.

As climate change continues to influence weather patterns and increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, the importance of comprehensive disaster preparedness for both humans and their animal companions cannot be overstated. Pet owners are encouraged to stay informed about local weather conditions and have a plan in place well before any potential emergency arises.

More information on pet disaster preparedness is available on ASPCA’s website at www.ASPCA.org.