Epidemiologic features of pet evacuation failure in a rapid-onset disaster

Objective-To describe epidemiologic features of pet evacuation failure afte r a hazardous chemical spill in which residents had no warning and only a f ew hours notice to evacuate. Design-Cross-sectional study. Sample Population-Pet-owning households that evacuated from a hazardous che mical spill with (n = 119) or without (122) their pets. Procedures-Evacuees were surveyed by mail. Results-261 of 433 (60.3%) dogs and cats in 241 households were not evacuat ed. Of the 241 households, 119 (49.4%) evacuated with their pets, 98 (40.7% ) evacuated without them but later attempted to rescue them, and 24 (10.0%) neither evacuated their pets nor attempted to rescue them. Pet evacuation failure was most common in households that thought the evacuated area was s afe for pets. Risk of pet evacuation failure increased in households with m any animals, low pet attachment and commitment scores, and low levels of pr eparedness. Cat evacuation failure was associated with not having cat carri ers. Nearly 80% of households that evacuated with their pets found accommod ation with friends and family. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Pet evacuation failure was common and je opardized pets' health and well-being. Logistical challenges to transportin g pets were substantial contributors to pet evacuation failure, whereas not knowing where to house a per was only a minor concern. Most pet owners see med self-reliant and acted appropriately towards their pets. Such self-reli ant behavior by pet owners should be encouraged prior to disasters as part oi an evacuation plan for households.