Even if you donât live in California or another area thatâs prone to wildfires , earthquakes, or other natural disasters, itâs still wise to have a disaster response strategy in placeâand to make sure it includes plans for any pets you have at home.
While most people would do everything in their power to avoid abandoning their pet, itâs not unusual for animals to flee or get separated from their owners in the chaos surrounding a severe weather event. According to phys.org, the Louisiana SPCA estimated that about 15,500 animals needed to be rescued during Hurricane Katrina and, of those, 80 percent to 85 percent were never found by their owners.
The fires in Los Angeles County, which broke out January 7, 2025, have also had a significant impact on pets. Surrounding animal shelters have reported taking in hundreds of pets displaced by the disaster, including dogs and cats with major injuries, and resources are being stretched thin . Apart from shelters, multiple businesses in the area have also offered free accommodations for pets that owners canât take with them while evacuating.
But in the horrible event that youâre in an emergency and lose contact with your dog or cat, there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of finding and reuniting with your beloved companion.
First, be sure to microchip and register your pets with a national database. In most cases, microchip implants can be done at your local vet, animal shelter, or rescue group, and the procedure is quick, simple, and painless. When youâre ready to register your petâand this step is crucialâfill out the enrollment forms provided by your vet or clinic, or check out the Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool for more information.
This may seem like a given, but you should also make sure your pet is wearing a collar containing their name, as well as your name, address, and phone number. Once youâve ticked that item off your to-do list, make sure you have current photos of your pets on hand. That way, if you do get separated, you can enlist others to help you find your pets again.
According to FEMA, establishing a buddy system with loved ones or neighbors can also be a crucial way to keep your favorite furry pal safe in a crisis. An emergency kit specifically prepared with pets in mindâincluding food, water, vital medications, and a first-aid kit, among other essentialsâcould make the difference in keeping your dog or cat safe no matter what comes your way.
A version of this story was originally published in 2018 and has been updated for 2025.