(P2-36) Evolution of Pet Owner Disaster Preparedness - California Wildfires from 2003 to 2009

Abstract

California wildfires are expected and they are followed by landslides and floods. A changing culture in traditional responders has co-evolved with a culture of pet owner disaster preparedness in California. This is demonstrated by the documentation of the in California wildfires from 2003–2009. The 2003 wildfires in San Diego County involved a massive relocation of people, small companion animals and over 700 horses. It was a milestone event in allowing co-located human and animal shelters. The intent was for animals to be maintained in adjacent shelters, but the result was humans taking up residence with their animal companions. Pet owners sought to keep their family, including their pets, together. It appeared that pets were providing comfort to their owners. In the same region during 2007, pet owners mobilized rapidly. They were clearly more prepared than they were in 2003. During 2008, a record 1400 fires were burning in California on July 1st. The Santa Barbara Gap Fire mobilized an expert Santa Barbara Equine evacuation team. The human Red Cross evacuation center allowed small animal cohabitation. At the same time, the Butte Lightning Complex fires (37 fires) involved a unique cohort of canine evacuees for an extended duration and requiring unprecedented veterinary volunteers. In 2009, the Santa Barbara Jesusita fire threatened an urban area and evacuation of 35,000 people. It included a vulnerable human population with health disabilities that required ambulance evacuation assistance. Small companion animals were allowed to evacuate in the front cab of the ambulance. Ambulance drivers remarked that they dreaded forcing patients to leave behind their pets and it was a relief to bring the pets along. In summary, the response to repeated California wildfires from 2003 to 2009 has demonstrated an evolving culture of animal disaster preparedness for both traditional responders and companion animal owners.