Ahead of Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary & National Preparedness Month, ASPCA Shares Lifesaving Tips for Pets, Reflects on Advancements in Disaster Response

ASPCA also announces $600,000 in grant funding to support disaster response capacity building ahead of hurricane season; seeking proposals from animal welfare groups and governmental agencies in LA, MS, AL from Aug. 29 through Sept. 30

NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of the 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and National Preparedness Month in September, ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) disaster response experts are urging pet owners to prioritize emergency preparedness for the entire family, including pets.

Advancements Since Hurricane Katrina
The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina revealed significant deficiencies in public preparedness, unclear state guidance, and a shortage of pet-friendly emergency shelters, escalating the risks associated with emergency response and resulting in unsafe situations for people and their pets. To improve emergency readiness and response, animal welfare organizations came together to create NARSC (National Animal Rescue & Sheltering Coalition) to identify, prioritize and find collaborative solutions to major human-animal emergency issues. The creation of NARSC – of which the ASPCA is a founding member – has helped animal welfare organizations better coordinate efforts and resources when responding to widespread disasters.

ASPCA research indicates that incorporating animals into disaster planning policies can help prevent tragic outcomes. Since Hurricane Katrina, the ASPCA has advocated for policies that enhance disaster preparedness and response efforts to ensure animals are included in emergency planning and enable vets to transport and dispense vital medicines while performing in the field. Most recently, the ASPCA has led efforts to enact laws in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington to ensure that local governments designate pet-friendly sheltering sites, allowing individuals to evacuate with their pets safely. In 2020, Florida enacted a similar ASPCA-supported law requiring each county that establishes emergency shelters to designate a shelter accommodating people with pets.

"As we reflect on the 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina during National Preparedness Month, we are reminded of the vital role that preparedness plays in safeguarding our pets during disasters. Lessons learned from past crises emphasize that planning for our animal companions is not just compassionate; it's essential," says Tim Rickey, vice president of national field response for the ASPCA. "By developing disaster response plans for all members of the family well in advance, pet owners can better ensure the safety and well-being of their companion animals, in turn allowing local agencies to dedicate their resources to homeless animals and pets with the most critical needs."

Apply for a Disaster Preparedness Grant
In recognition of the 20^th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the ASPCA is providing up to $600,000 in disaster preparedness funding to animal welfare organizations and governmental agencies in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, where Hurricane Katrina had the most devastating impacts. Up to $500,000 of this funding is available through an open application process from Aug. 29 through Sept. 30, to cover expenses for temporary emergency sheltering supplies, animal evacuation equipment, field rescue gear, pet supplies for disaster-related community distribution, emergency preparedness training, and more. As part of this initiative, the ASPCA will also be matching every donation made, up to $100,000, to the Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA) from now until the end of October 2025, to support pet adoptions, lifesaving rescue services, advanced veterinary care, and vital community support.

As one of the country's largest animal welfare grant makers, the ASPCA provides essential grants and collaborates with hundreds of local shelters and rescues, working together to save and improve the lives of animals by providing life-changing tools and resources to help give even more animals a second chance. Last year, in response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the ASPCA provided over $3 million in critical relief funding to organizations supporting animals on the ground in the disaster zone. Since 2001, the ASPCA has provided more than $200 million in grant funding to over 4,000 mission-aligned organizations and programs nationwide.

Steps You Can Take to Prepare Your Pets for a Disaster
A past ASPCA survey revealed that while a significant percentage of pet owners live in areas prone to disasters, more than half do not have an emergency preparedness plan in place. As natural disasters continue to increase in frequency and severity, the ASPCA is underscoring the importance of enhanced disaster preparedness in communities across the country to better protect companion animals, who are often among the most vulnerable during these life-threatening events. Lifesaving disaster preparedness tips include:

• Evacuate with Your Pets: If evacuation becomes necessary, individuals should take their pets with them. Leaving pets behind or tethering them to poles or trees can prevent them from escaping high waters and reaching safe areas.
• Arrange a Safe Haven: Secure a safe haven for pets, such as boarding kennels, emergency shelters, pet-friendly hotels, or the homes of friends or family members.
• Prepare Emergency Supplies: Assemble emergency supplies and travel kits that include pet ID tags, food, clean water, medications, a pet carrier, food and water bowls, and other necessities sufficient for at least 7 to 10 days.
• Keep Records Handy: Ensure that copies of pet medical records and photographs of owners with their pets are readily accessible in case of separation.
• Update Identification: Ensure all pets wear identification tags with current contact information. The ASPCA also recommends verifying microchip registration information to maintain accurate contact details. In case a pet is separated during a disaster, tracking/GPS collars can also be good alternatives, given how many pets wander off during a storm.

For additional information regarding disaster preparedness and resources from the ASPCA, please visit aspca.org/disasterprep.

About the ASPCA^®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation's leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.aspca.org and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

SOURCE ASPCA