A disaster can occur with little or no warning. In the panic that ensues, animals often are left behind to fend for themselves, imprisoned in abandoned homes or wandering aimlessly, lost, hungry, possibly injured, and frightened.

The single most common reason people return to an evacuated disaster site is to rescue pets that have been left behind. A significant number of pet owners have a strong desire to save their pets, often putting themselves and emergency personnel at risk to do so.

Because every victim of a disaster counts, we must be prepared to respond to the needs of animals affected by a disaster. Disaster awareness, planning, and response must be locally based and locally supported. Even though national humane organizations have trained teams of volunteers and rescue equipment, it may be several days before they area able to reach the disaster site. Pet owners and caretakers must plan in advance for the eventuality of a disaster in order to respond quickly and safely to protect the well being of their companion animals.

Virginia State Animal Response Team (VASART) brochure (pdf file)
A Disaster Guide for Pet Owners
Model County Response Plan for Animals in Disasters (pdf file)
Companion Animal and Owner Reunification Protocols (pdf file)
Criterea for Housing Animals in Temporary Shelters (pdf file)
Shelter Evacuation Checklist
Animals in Disasters Websites
Emergency Animal Rescue Resources (Virginia)
Emergency Animal Rescue Resources (National)
Virginia Disaster Responder Form
Page One (pdf file)
Page Two (pdf file)

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