Study reveals most pet parents wouldn't leave home to escape disaster if they couldn't bring pets

In honor of National Pet Preparedness Month, this data plus additional information can help guide pet owners on what to do in case of an emergency

A new nationwide survey by PetSmart Charities has discovered that most US pet owners are prepared to evacuate their homes with pets in case of an immediate disaster. However, "they wouldn't leave home if they couldn't take their pets to safety with them and would even give up their spot in a shelter if they couldn't stay there with their pets," according to an organizational release.1

According to the survey of pet parents1:

More results found that pet parents, having information on what to do to evacuate with their pets and where they can go to stay together are a priority. Some of these items to keep in mind include1:

This survey came out in tandem with National Pet Preparedness Month and the beginning of hurricane and wildfire season. This is a reminder for all pet parents to create an emergency plan for the all family members, including pets. Find information on preparing to evacuate to safety with pets and download a pet preparedness checklist here: https://petsmartcharities.org/our-stories/trending-tales/joining-forces-for-pets-the-american-red-cross-petsmart-charities

Reference

To evacuate or not to evacuate: majority of pet parents say they wouldn't leave home to escape disaster if they couldn't bring pets. News release. PetSmart Charities, Inc. June 6, 2023. Accessed June 6, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/to-evacuate-or-not-to-evacuate-majority-of-pet-parents-say-they-wouldnt-leave-home-to-escape-disaster-if-they-couldnt-bring-pets-301842870.html