How To Support Animal Rescues During Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, extreme heat, and droughts leave families struggling to keep their pets safe and cared for.  

In some cases, caregivers are forced to make heartbreaking choices, such as leaving beloved pets behind. What’s worse, natural disasters and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more severe.  

In 2024 alone, the U.S. experienced three times as many large-scale natural disasters as the 44-year national average, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).  

Animal shelters and rescues are already stretched thin under normal circumstances and are pushed to the brink when disasters strike. With fewer federal resources to rely on, there’s a greater need for public support when these disasters hit. 

3 Ways to Support Animal Rescues Before, During, and After Natural Disasters

Financial Support

Recent and proposed cuts to natural disaster aid and disaster preparedness program funding are leaving communities and organizations scrambling to prepare and respond effectively when disaster strikes, according to The New York Times.  

At a minimum, federal and state emergency preparedness funding supports the evacuation of people and their pets, says Tiffany Deaton, director of national operations at Best Friends Animal Society.  

Additional funding may be allocated to rescuing stranded pets and wildlife, establishing temporary shelters for displaced animals, and providing crucial medical care and supplies. When funding is limited, organizations are often forced to operate at a deficit—putting animals, frontline workers, and volunteers at greater risk. 

When public funding falls short, it’s up to us to step in.  

An online search for terms like “animal rescue disaster relief + [your state or city]” can help you find shelters, rescues, or foster networks near you that are accepting financial donations.

Financially supporting your local shelters and rescues before extreme weather or disasters hit helps ensure they’re ready to respond when the time comes. 

You can also donate to trusted national organizations such as: 

• Best Friends Animal Society (BFAS) mobilizes emergency response teams to disaster sites and partners with other organizations to evacuate, shelter, care for, and transport animals.  

• The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is known for its emergency preparedness, field rescues, and post-disaster relief efforts. They also provide grants to support emergency planning and assist animal welfare organizations in responding to natural disasters.  

• RedRover provides emergency veterinary care and establishes and manages emergency shelters for displaced animals. They also proactively support disaster-prone communities with ongoing care to help prevent suffering when natural disasters strike. 

Donate Supplies 

When a natural disaster hits, shelters and rescues often struggle to maintain even basic resources. According to Deaton, pet food, crates, water, leashes, harnesses, collars and over-the-counter flea and tick medications are among the supplies most often needed during disaster response efforts.  

Donate to shelters and rescues in disaster-prone areas by checking their websites or social media for current needs. However, you don’t have to be in the disaster zone to make a difference.  

Donating supplies to your local shelter can also directly help those affected by natural disasters. Often, shelters and rescues in other communities pitch in by accepting displaced animals or collecting and transporting supplies to the areas that need them most.  

The Oregon Humane Society is one of many examples. In February 2025, they partnered with Greater Good Charities and Southwest Airlines to transport and house more than 100 cats and dogs from Los Angeles shelters impacted by wildfires.  

Check with your local shelter to determine what their current needs are and consider ordering supplies in bulk directly to their doorstep. Items such as towels, poop bags, leashes, and even toys go a long way during a time of crisis.  

Foster an Animal/Offer Temporary Care 

Fostering can be lifesaving for animals during natural disasters. When Tropical Storm Debby struck South Carolina in 2024, Berkeley Animal Center put out an urgent call for help: 137 animals needed safe foster homes to ride out the storm. Within hours, volunteers stepped up and placed every pet out of harm’s way.  

Similarly, during the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025, more than 1,000 people volunteered to foster displaced cats and dogs—an almost unprecedented show of community support, as reported by The Guardian. 

And it’s not just shelters in the disaster zone that need foster volunteers. When shelters in neighboring states take in evacuees, they rely on foster homes to free up shelter space. Organizations like the Oregon Humane Society couldn’t accept displaced pets without help from volunteer fosters. 

When a natural disaster hits, it's up to us to help our local shelters. Even if you can't contribute financially, look at other ways to support either through volunteering or taking in an animal as a temporary foster. The smallest act of help can still make a difference.