National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is observed on the second Saturday of May. In 2026, it falls on May 9. This day encourages pet owners and livestock managers to develop comprehensive emergency plans before natural disasters occur. It focuses on gathering essential supplies, ensuring identification is up to date, and identifying safe locations for animals during evacuations.

See also: National Therapy Animal Day, Dog Therapy Appreciation Day, Pet Tech CPR Day

History of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established this observance in 2010 to address a recurring issue during natural disasters. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, thousands of pet owners refused to leave their homes because they were not allowed to bring their animals to emergency shelters. This led to a higher rate of human casualties and a massive surge in abandoned animals that required rescue after the storm subsided. ¹

The passage of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act in 2006 further emphasized the need for coordinated animal planning at the government level. National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day was created to bring this awareness down to the individual household level. It serves as a reminder to check microchips, refresh emergency kits, and verify that local disaster plans include provisions for domestic and farm animals.

Why is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day important?

This day is vital because it reduces the burden on emergency services during a crisis. When individuals have pre-arranged transportation and housing for their animals, they are more likely to comply with evacuation orders immediately. This prevents the dangerous and costly “second wave” of rescues where responders must return to flooded or burning areas to retrieve animals left behind.

Planning also protects the emotional well-being of families and the physical health of the animals. Emergency kits ensure that pets have access to their specific medications and familiar food, which prevents digestive distress and anxiety during a move. For livestock owners, having a plan for large-scale movement prevents animals from being trapped in barns or fields where they are vulnerable to injury or disease.

• It ensures animals are included in all family evacuation strategies.
• Identifying pet-friendly hotels in advance prevents abandonment during a crisis.
• Microchipping increases the chances of being reunited after a disaster.
• Emergency kits provide necessary food and medicine for several days.
• Proactive planning saves lives by encouraging timely evacuations of people.

How to Observe National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

Observers should begin by assembling a dedicated go-bag for each pet that is easily accessible near an exit. This kit needs to contain at least three to seven days of non-perishable food, bottled water, and a manual can opener. It should also include a first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and any specific prescriptions the animal requires to stay healthy.

Verification of identification is another critical task for this day. Owners should check that collar tags are legible and that microchip registries have current phone numbers and addresses. Researching pet-friendly hotels along potential evacuation routes or identifying boarding facilities outside the local area ensures that the family will not be turned away from shelter.

• Create a portable emergency kit with food and water for each animal.
• Keep a current photo of you with your pet for identification.
• Verify that all microchip contact information is correct and active.
• Identify several out-of-town locations that will accept your pets.
• Practice loading your animals into carriers or trailers for a fast exit.

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day Dates Table

1. https://www.ready.gov/pet-toolkit[↩]