Working Together to Protect People and Animals
One Health is an “integrated, collaborative approach that balances and optimizes the health of people, animals, and ecosystems” (WHO, 2026). Animal health professionals may include veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary clinic staff, governmental positions, researchers, academics, and many other relevant positions. These professionals play a critical role in protecting and preserving the health of humans, animals, and the environment, particularly during disasters. This requires a collaborative effort between disciplines and sectors at the local, national, and in some instances, global level (AVMA, 2026). With hurricane season approaching, it is an ideal time to highlight the importance of intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration. While animal and patient safety is a priority for veterinarians, animal health professionals also work to ensure public health and the well-being of pet owners. They may participate in providing veterinary care to search and rescue animals, zoonotic disease awareness/management, and in securing food safety, among many other collaborative roles.
Preparing Pets Before Disaster Strikes
Preventative measures and preparation for potential disasters are essential to ensure the best-case outcomes. Owners should work with a veterinarian ahead of disasters/emergencies to ensure up-to-date pet vaccines, recent pet health assessments, sufficient medication supplies, and resources for an emergency plan to improve preparedness. There are many considerations for this preparation, such as microchipping pets and having records for both people and pets prepared to take along in an emergency. By ensuring that pets may be lawfully and safely transported during disaster evacuation, fewer owners may stay in harm’s way to shelter in place with their pets. These collaborative efforts aim to keep pets and their owners out of harm’s way and to preserve the human-animal bond during an especially stressful time for owners and pets.
Emergency Preparedness Resources
Preparing for such an event can be a daunting task, but there are many good resources for disaster preparation for pets and their families. Visit some of these resources below:
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has resources to make a plan, build a disaster kit, and to prepare your family in conjunction with ready.gov
Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) is an organization composed of those with animal health interests and animal health professionals that provides resources for planning, training, and emergency response.
Contributing Author
Brandi K. Sandstrom, DVM, MPH
