No Pet Left Behind: Preparing for Climate Emergencies with Compassion and Care

Pets are more than animals—they are cherished members of our families, bringing joy, comfort, and companionship. I’ve seen this through my own family’s experiences. My son recently adopted a rescue dog named Tartine from Reunion Island. Tartine has brought new energy and affection into his life and found a loving home. Similarly, I have adopted three dogs— Gamine, Didi and Tessy —from the Royal Canin pet centre in Aimargues for my mum, each one becoming a steadfast companion and source of comfort.

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In my role at Mars, I see first-hand the intersection of sustainability and pet care – this makes me maybe more aware of how climate change impacts not only our planet, but also the wellbeing of pets and the families who love them. These personal connections reinforce the urgency of addressing an often-overlooked issue in climate emergency planning: the safety and welfare of pets.  

As climate-induced disasters like wildfires, floods, and hurricanes become more frequent and severe, pets face increasing risks of displacement and homelessness. Yet, emergency response plans frequently exclude provisions for pets, leaving families with heartbreaking choices between their own safety and staying with their animals.

This blog explores the urgent need for inclusive, proactive planning to protect pets and their families during climate crises, ensuring that no pet is left behind when disaster strikes.

Pets are Overlooked Victims of Climate Disasters

A difficult reality of the climate crisis is that pets are often excluded from emergency planning and responses. While evacuation plans, emergency shelters, and disaster relief protocols are designed to keep humans safe, there is often little or no provision for pets, as many shelters and temporary housing options do not accept animals in times of emergency.  In just one case study - the Hawaii wildfires of 2023 - the Maui Humane Society estimated around 3,000 animals from Lahaina remained missing in the aftermath. Without decisive action, the number of pets impacted by climate-related emergencies will only increase.

The absence of accessible veterinary care during and after disasters can also lead to untreated injuries and disease outbreaks among animals, resulting in long-term health challenges for our pets and our communities.

Proactive Steps to Keep Pets and Families Together

To keep our pets in loving homes, there are several practical steps we can take - both as individual pet owners and as proactive, caring communities. Microchipping is a simple yet powerful tool, greatly increasing the chances of reunification if pets become lost during an emergency. Keeping microchip information up to date is equally vital.

Developing pet-inclusive evacuation plans—with designated carers, supplies, transport, and safe shelter options—can prevent pets from being separated during crises. Local governments and emergency services play a crucial role by integrating animal welfare into broader disaster response strategies and public awareness campaigns, ensuring no pet is forgotten when it matters most.

The Role of Veterinary Care and Shelter Access

Veterinary and shelter services are essential partners in preventing pet homelessness during emergencies. Providing pet-friendly housing and emergency veterinary care enables a coordinated response, helping families stay together with their pets when they need it most.

At Mars, we are committed to bridging gaps in care and supporting communities worldwide. For example, Royal Canin North America donated more than a million pet meals to support disaster relief efforts, feeding 115,000 pets in need across impacted communities. In India, our Pet Nutrition team partnered with Swiggy Instamart to launch Paw Protecc, an initiative dedicated to safeguarding pets during adverse weather conditions. Nearly 150 shelters were placed across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, offering secure havens for strays facing the elements.

Building Resilient Communities for People and Pets

Preparing for climate emergencies is about more than reacting when disaster strikes—it’s about building resilient systems that protect people and pets before, during, and after a crisis. By embedding pet welfare into emergency plans, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and ensuring veterinary care, shelter, and food are part of the response from day one, we can help communities recover faster and more completely.

Together, by planning inclusively and acting with compassion, we can ensure that no pet—and no family—is left behind when the unexpected happens.