Disaster Preparedness Resources for Veterinarians

The Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF) is a trusted resource for veterinarians in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters of any scale. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a localized emergency, TVMF stands ready to support veterinary professionals when they need it most.

Through the generosity of donors, the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF) provides disaster relief grants to support Texas Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) members who care for animal victims during and after disasters. These grants help ensure that veterinarians—often serving as first responders for pets, livestock, and horses—can continue delivering essential care when their communities need them most. This support underscores TVMF’s commitment to the well-being of veterinary professionals and the animals they serve—before, during, and after times of crisis.

  • Apply for Disaster Relief
    • Flood and disaster recovery – to provide financial assistance to veterinary clinics impacted by natural disasters. Apply HERE.
    • Reimbursement of emergency medical expenses – to provide financial assistance to veterinarians treating animals impacted by a disaster. Apply HERE.
    • Immediate/Essential Needs for Veterinary Professionals — financial assistance to individuals impacted by disaster who are a part of the veterinary profession (eg. for shelter, food, clothes). Apply HERE.
  • Donate to the Fund
  • Join TVMA

Disaster Preparedness Resources for Pet Owners

Make a plan today. In the event of a disaster, your family may not be together, so it’s important to understand the types of emergencies that could affect your area and how you’ll stay in touch. Decide how you’ll communicate, where you’ll meet, and how you’ll reconnect if separated. And don’t forget—your pets are part of the family, too. Be sure to include them in your emergency plan by considering their needs and how you’ll keep them safe during an emergency.

For additional helpful tips and guidance on preparing for emergencies with pets, visit the TexVetPets Library article here.

 

Make a Plan

Having a plan in place before an emergency hits can save you time, stress, and heartache. If you’re asked to evacuate, your pets should go with you—leaving them behind could put them at serious risk.

Here are a few smart steps to include in your pet emergency plan:

  • Know Where to Go: Not all shelters or hotels accept pets, so research pet-friendly options ahead of time. Identify safe places where your pets can stay if you need to evacuate.
  • Set Up a Buddy System: Coordinate with neighbors, friends, or family to help care for or evacuate your pets if you’re not home or unable to get to them.
  • Microchip and Update Info: Make sure your pet is microchipped, and keep your contact info current. Add an emergency contact outside your area just in case.
  • Get Local Guidance: Reach out to your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control for pet-specific resources and tips.

Planning now helps protect your whole family—four-legged members included—when it matters most.

Make Emergency Contact List

Build your emergency contact list before a disaster hits.
You’ll want quick access to it during an emergency or evacuation—and rescue teams may need it, too. Keep a copy with your go-bag or evacuation kit. Be sure to include addresses and 24-hour contact numbers. If you use the Medical ID feature on your phone, make sure one of your emergency contacts knows your pet evacuation plan.

What to include in your emergency contact list:

  • Numbers where you can be reached
  • Location of your prearranged evacuation sites
  • Local emergency contact person if you aren’t available
  • Out-of-state emergency contact person
  • Your veterinarian’s name, clinic name, and phone number
  • Alternate veterinarian (30-90 miles away, provides boarding)
  • Boarding facility (local)
  • Boarding facility (30-90 miles away)
  • Hotels that allow pets (90-mile radius)
  • Local animal control agency
  • Local police department
  • Local fire department
  • Local public health department
  • Local Red Cross chapter
  • List of internet and social media “lost and found” animal sites
  • Local municipal animal shelter, local humane society, or local society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA)

Build a Kit for Your Pet

Just like your family’s emergency kit, start with the essentials—food, water, and basic supplies. It’s a good idea to have two kits on hand: a full-sized version if you’re staying home and a lighter, grab-and-go kit in case you need to evacuate. Be sure to check both regularly to keep items like food and medications up to date.

Here are a few things to consider including in your pet’s emergency kit:

Prepare Pets for Travel

When evacuating your home, it’s important to bring your pets. Because you may need to put your cat or dog into a pet carrier, it’s important that they’re comfortable with the experience. Follow these tips to reduce their stress:

Tips for Large Animals and Livestock

If you have pets such as horses, goats or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.

In addition to the tips above:

  • Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
  • Evacuate animals earlier, whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
  • Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
  • Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
  • If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to a barn or turn them loose outside.

For more resources and tips on preparing large animals and livestock for a disaster, visit the TexVetPets Library here or the AVMA website here.

Stay Informed

Being prepared and staying informed of current conditions. Here are some ways you can stay informed:

  • Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials.
  • Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.
  • Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service, for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
  • Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.