title: The critical need for animal disaster response plans.
abstract: In the tragic aftermath of disasters over the past 30+ years, people have learned that disaster planning for individuals, for communities and for many businesses must include animals. This paper discusses why emergency planning for animals is a necessity for individuals and animal-focused businesses, as well as being a critical element in community disaster response strategies. Communication between affected groups and integration of disaster plans provide for a better response, which allows for a quicker recovery. Ensuring that animals are included in disaster mitigation/preparedness/response/ recovery plans increases resilience. It will provide a framework to manage personal and business preparedness and to launch animal disaster preparedness initiatives in communities.
authors.affiliation: Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART), PO Box 31645, Meadowvale SC, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2G7, Canada.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001841:Human-Animal Bond; D006801:Humans; D057805:Pets