Introduction

It is vital that animal facilities prepare for disasters, both to protect the animals housed there and to safeguard the facility. A lack of planning can increase the magnitude of the disaster for humans and animals alike, while a proactive approach to planning and preparation for potential emergencies allows an organization to mitigate damage and downtime.

Animal facilities include animal shelters, kennels, veterinary clinics and hospitals, pet shops, horse stables, and other facilities where animals are routinely housed. The following guidelines will help determine how vulnerable a facility may be to a variety of disasters.

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