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Animal Disaster Predictions?

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animal disaster predictions

Animal disaster preparedness–mean anything to you?

It is not something new but it is something that people forget about. Me, I was obsessed over it for a long time.

In the aftermath of the Japan earthquake, people are disturbed. And they should be, but that concern should be turned into action not panic.

When I first wrote, Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals I had no idea I’d get so proactive in preparedness.  (See my credential area) When the 6.8 earthquake hit my town, I was ready–and thus began my adventures in that field.

I began giving away the educational animal disaster guide and have updated it over and over again through the years.

In fact, my plans were to update it this year and start selling it-but people can download for free by simply signing onto my list (form to the left).

I’ve watched the awareness on this issue grow from its infancy to the point where national attention became a reality (PETS Pet Evacuation Transportation Standards Act) but it still is not a coordinated effort.

My research looked into the behavior of animals prior to quakes (seismic sentries) and I’ve been quoted about it in a lot of places. (Including in the book, The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes. Below is a recent video you might find of interest.)

It is a topic that cycles through every time there is a disaster. Remember? Not too long ago it was the BP Oil Spill and in Disaster Diaries I wrote about some of the animal disaster rescue efforts and shared links.

Now we have another big issue a little further away but the reality is that it has global implications.

Predictions come and go too. Some are right but most are wrong.

Now you should be prepared but you should not be giving your pet iodine–read this UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine release on this issue.

Take some time to read some of my past works on this topic but for peace of mind, do everyone a favor and do some preparedness.

You see, if something is going to happen, it will. There is not much you can do about it–but you can prepare–so get out and do so since it is just plain common sense and will save everyone a lot of grief in the event of a disaster striking nearby.

You can also take a gander at the table of contents of my animal disaster guide and then go download it.

Photo Credits: FEMA

Blog Posted March 17, 2011 at 3:52 pm

BP Oil Spill Pet Victims

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To say that BP has made a mess of things in the Gulf is an understatement and to ignore the horrific consequences for the coastal regions and the people who live there would add more to the public relations nightmare beyond the man-made disaster and the unknown long-term ramifications from it.

I was going to post this on Saturday but thought it would be good to post it now since things are escalating quickly.

If BP fails to take action to help the animals, not only the wildlife but also the pets, I think they are going to seriously regret it.

This disaster is going to impact the nation but those who dwell in the area are in a living nightmare–one in which they can’t wake up from.

Their homes, their livelihoods, their environment, the welfare of their families–and now the welfare of their pets are all compromised.

Shelters are overflowing with relinquishments because people can’t support the pets.

Talk about tragedy–their situation is topped off with a dose of more trauma as people have to give up a furry family members–words just can’t describe the issue.

Although some donated food is on the way, a lot more help is needed.

Both CNN and ABC and Yahoo News have begun coverage of the pet disaster victims but I am really surprised at the silence out there from animal disaster rescue teams and hope that this changes swiftly and this statement from UAN-EARS turns into one of action. I know they recently conducted a training with the ASPCA for the oil spill but news is very limited.

Meanwhile, the Louisiana SPCA and other shelters in the area need donations and volunteers.

If you want to help some of the agencies helping pet owners include:

Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society PAWS
9596 Highway 23
Belle Chasse, LA
(504)-392-1601

St. Bernard Animal Shelter
5455 E. Judge Perez Dr.
Violet, LA 70096
(504)-278-1535

Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter
1869 Ames Boulevard
Marrero, LA
(504)-349-5111

Terrebonne Parish Animal Control
131 Plant Road
Houma, LA
(985)-873-6709

The Mississippi Board of Animal Health has also established a Animal Disaster Hotline at 1-888-722-3106.

You can also help via donations to the International Fund for Animal Welfare,

So far, there is a BP Oil Disaster Pet Petition on Change.Org and you can find BP contacts to spout your opinion about the oil spill pet victims here.

Blog Posted July 22, 2010 at 8:32 am
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