New Orleans, LA 9/8/05 -- Residents who stayed behind with pets are leaving after police told them the pets can go with them. Many residents have been in New Orleans without electricity or tap water for ten days. New Orleans is being evacuated as a result of floods and damage caused by hurricane Katrina.
Image by Liz Roll

New Orleans resident evacuates with pets after Hurricane Katrina (2005).

Volunteer emergency personnel move cattle to higher ground during a flood in Missouri (2008).

Humane Society volunteer rescues stranded pets after Minnesota flood (1997).

Animals & Pets

The best way to protect your household from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.

The Ulster County Animal Response Team (UCART) supports our local pet owners and farmers in the event of a disaster. Do you have a plan for your animals if something goes wrong? If you have to evacuate is it best to leave your animals at home or bring them with you? We are here to help all of our human and animal friends plan for the worst. Get involved, get in touch, get ready, CCEUC and UCART have got you covered!

Pets and COVID-19 FAQs

Here are FAQs on COVID-19 for pet owners from the University of Illinois.

Interim guidance for animal care operations from The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Cold Weather

Cold Weather Pet Safety by the American Veterinary Medical Association, covers steps to take to keep a variety of different pets safe during winter weather. 

Emergency Plans 

Disaster Preparedness from the ASPCA that covers: preparing for disaster with your pets: How to get a Rescue Alert sticker for your home; arranging a safe haven for your pets if you must evacuate; preparing emergency supplies and pet traveling kits; designating caregivers in case something happens to you; how to prepare for evacuation; geographic and climatic considerations; plus special considerations for birds, reptiles and small animals.

Animals in Evacuation Shelters: Many shelters cannot accommodate pets; this page from the CDC covers ways to minimize health risks if animals are housed in a public evacuation shelter. 

Farm Animals

Caring for Animals, a page on the FEMA website, includes Disaster and Cold Weather Guidelines for large animals

Dairy and Livestock Disaster Guide

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(1) American Red Cross, "Prepare Your Home and Family > Pets" at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/pets accessed on 1/30/2014.

Last updated February 15, 2024