Plan being developed for evacuating companion animals during emergencies

A common issue during evacuations is how to address the care of companion animals, more commonly known as pets. When a mass evacuation is required, it is difficult to house people and animals together in a manner that is safe and humane. This problem is compounded by the fact that municipalities are not equipped to address the needs of animals at the scale required during an evacuation.

In response to this issue, AUMA, Provincial Emergency Social Services (PESS), the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA), and animal welfare organizations have been working to develop an operational plan, known as the Companion Animal Disaster Response Capability (CADRC), to guide municipalities on how to safely care for animals during an emergency.

The CADRC covers logistical issues, such as:

• support to local authorities in organizing the evacuation, temporary care and reunification of companion animals;
• support to first responders, bylaw and peace officers in conducting the rescue and recovery of companion animals from evacuated residences; and
• the establishment of regional and provincial CADRC animal care facilities.

As the CADRC is still being revised following tabletop exercises held over summer, it is not yet available online. If any members would like to preview a draft copy of the plan, please contact advocacy [at] auma.ca (advocacy[at]auma[dot]ca).

AUMA staff are working with PESS and ABVMA to schedule a webinar to gather feedback on the plan at a later date. Keep watching Digest for details.