Preparedness Tips
Large animals and livestock emergency planning
This guide is for owners of horses, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, poultry, and other large or farm animals. Loading and moving large animals takes time, equipment, and people, so the planning work has to happen long before an evacuation order.
Evacuate early
- Evacuate large animals early, because loading and transportation take more time than most people expect.
- Identify primary and backup evacuation routes.
- Confirm that trailers, tow vehicles, drivers, and experienced handlers are available.
- Practice safe loading before an emergency.
- Confirm that every animal can be transported safely.
Destinations
- Identify primary and backup destinations that accept the species and number of animals involved.
- Confirm food, water, fencing, shelter, and handling equipment at the destination.
- Confirm medications and veterinary support are available where you are going.
Identification and records
- Maintain current identification for every animal.
- Keep photographs, ownership information, health information, and vaccination details accessible.
- Keep veterinarian contact information with your records.
Supplies
- Halters, leads, carriers, and crates
- Feed, water, and water containers
- Medications, sanitation supplies, and first-aid supplies
- Backup lighting and basic repair materials for fencing or gates
Utilities, flooding, and sheltering in place
- Plan for power outages that may affect water pumps, ventilation, fencing, lighting, or medical equipment.
- Move animals to safer or higher ground early when flooding is possible.
- Create separate plans for evacuation and for sheltering in place.
Safety and official instructions
- Follow local agriculture, animal-control, emergency-management, fire, weather, and evacuation instructions.
- Never place a person in danger during loading, handling, rescue, or evacuation.
This is general preparedness information only. Discuss species-specific handling and medical questions with a veterinarian, an agricultural extension office, or a qualified livestock professional.
Official resources
Explore these official resources for additional tools and guidance, including FEMA animal-disaster planning, USDA livestock disaster preparation, Red Cross livestock and pet preparedness, and a detailed emergency-response planning guide for livestock producers.
External resources open in a new tab. Linking does not imply endorsement, partnership, sponsorship, or affiliation.
- Ready.gov (FEMA) — Pets and animals(opens in a new tab)
- USDA APHIS — Protecting livestock during a disaster(opens in a new tab)
- American Red Cross — Pet disaster preparedness and recovery(opens in a new tab)
- Penn State Extension — Building an emergency response plan for livestock producers(opens in a new tab)