BERLIN – With Europe being scorched by relentless heatwaves and hit with devastating flash floods, and wildfires raging across Spain, France, Italy, Bulgaria and Greece, communities across the continent are facing the full force of a rapidly changing climate. What many people may overlook is that animals—both pets and farmed animals—suffer alongside humans during these crises. They rely entirely on people for their safety, especially during emergencies. Even when disasters create challenges for families and their pets, planning ahead can make all the difference in keeping them together.
Sylvie Kremerskothen Gleason, country director at Humane World for Animals Germany (formerly called Humane Society International Germany), says: “If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them,” says. “Globally, we see time and again that disaster preparedness can make the difference between survival and tragedy. In Germany, we’ve witnessed a growing number of disasters in recent years. From the devastating floods caused by torrential rains in Ahrweiler in 2021 to the extreme heat this July, with temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius and wildfires breaking out in regions like Brandenburg, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt—climate-related emergencies are no longer rare events.” This is why Humane World for Animals is advising anyone with an animal to develop a disaster plan so that should a crisis occur, the safety of both people and animals is secured.
How to create a disaster plan for your animals
Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit including:
- At least five days’ worth of food and water. Also bring bowls and a manual can opener if you’re packing canned pet food.
- Medications for at least five days and all medical records, including vaccination history, in a waterproof container. This information should also be stored digitally.
- Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with ID tags and microchip details.
- Pet first-aid supplies, such as antibiotic ointment, gauze and bandages.
- A litter box with extra litter and a scoop, and waste bags.
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely.
- Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your animals.
- Comfort items like toys or bedding.
- Written information about your pets’ feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior issues, along with the name and phone number of your veterinarian. This information can also be kept digitally.
Plan for safe shelter with companion animals:
- Identify pet-friendly hotels, shelters or accommodations in advance.
- Talk to family or friends outside your area who could host you and your pets.
Don’t delay:
- If evacuating, take your pets with you immediately.
- Animals may panic during storms or fires—evacuate early to avoid chaos.
Humane World for Animals’ international Animal Rescue Team responds to animals in crisis, working closely with local, regional and global organizations to help provide animal rescue, relief and evacuation services – to support both animals and the communities who care for them.
For example, in Europe, Humane World for Animals was among the first animal welfare organizations to respond to the needs of animals caught up in the war in Ukraine. Partnering with the Ukrainian Red Cross, the charity provided lifesaving aid such as pet food, veterinary care and supplies to 100,000 dogs, cats and other animals and 40,000 pet guardians. This program has been extended until the end of 2025.
In Poland, Humane World for Animals provided vital assistance to five animal shelters affected by catastrophic flooding in 2024. The grant helped rebuild damaged infrastructure, deliver veterinary care, and provide emergency food and shelter to hundreds of animals, including dogs, cats, goats, pigs, and birds. Working alongside local organizations, Humane World for Animals ensured that animals were not forgotten in the wake of the disaster, supporting both immediate rescue efforts and long-term recovery, while helping shelters prepare for future emergencies.
After the devastating earthquake in Türkiye in 2023, our international disaster relief team was deployed to provide emergency relief to thousands of dogs, cats and other animals caught up in the earthquakes. In the first three weeks after the earthquakes, more than 1,500 animals received medical care at the three main veterinary field clinics where Humane World for Animals was based, set up by local veterinarians and groups.
With Europe experiencing an alarming rise in extreme weather events, Humane World for Animals urges all citizens to act now and prepare their own emergency plans. Disaster preparedness saves lives—both human and animal.
For more resources on how to protect animals during disasters, visit humaneworld.org or watch this one-minute long video on disaster preparedness.
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Download pictures of our work for Ukrainian animals and pet guardians here.
Download pictures of our disaster relief work in Türkiye here.