The preparedness and evacuation behaviour of pet owners inemergencies and natural disasters
Date
2015
Authors
Taylor, Melanie
Burns, Penelope
Lynch, Erin
Eustace, Greg
Journal Title
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Publisher
Emergency Management Australia
Abstract
This research describes the preparedness
and the actual, or anticipated, evacuation
behaviours of a sample of 352 pet owners in
Australian who experienced a range of natural
disasters or emergencies. Three quarters
experienced a bushfire or flood (42 per cent
and 33 per cent respectively) and around a
third (34 per cent) evacuated their homes.
Of those who evacuated, 29 per cent did so in
less than one hour and 58 per cent returned
within two days. Over two-thirds (69 per cent)
stayed with family or friends when they
evacuated. Many people evacuated with
multiple combinations of pets. The majority
of those who evacuated kept some of their
pets with them (81 per cent) and 15 per cent
left some pets behind; either enclosed in
the home, released to escape, or unable to
find/catch. Around the time of evacuation
42 per cent sought some form of immediate
assistance, help or advice, with evacuation
of their pets. Most turned to neighbours and
friends (30 per cent), social media (9 per cent),
or emergency services (8 per cent).
In general, around a third of the sample
felt they were 'not really prepared' or were
�unprepared� for the emergency event. Of
those who reported they were prepared,
around 70 per cent had planned to keep all
their pets with them if they evacuated.
The results of this study highlight the
complexity of pet composition and the
requirement for detailed household
evacuation planning and early enactment of
plans. In addition, the need for responsible
pet ownership and pet-friendly destinations
on evacuation was a clear requirement, with
decisions to evacuate being influenced by this.
It is hoped that the results of this study will
provide a useful reference for emergency
management agencies and aid planning and
engagement with pet owners.
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Source
Australian Journal of Emergency Management
Type
Journal article
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Restricted until
2099-12-31
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