New AHPC Study Reveals Gaps in Pet Owners’ Preparedness for Heat and Disasters

A study published in Human-Animal Interactions, conducted by AHPC co-director Dr Lori Kogan and colleagues, highlights areas of concern related to how U.S. dog owners care for their dogs during extreme heat and environmental disasters. The researchers surveyed more than 400 owners and found that while many owners recognize obvious signs of heat stress, few can identify earlier symptoms—and most make little or no adjustment to their dogs’ routines during summer months. Even owners of high-risk breeds such as bulldogs and pugs were no more likely to take precautions. The study also uncovered widespread shortcomings in disaster planning. Fewer than half of dog owners had a complete emergency kit for their pets, and only 59% had a disaster plan in place. Although many said they would refuse to evacuate without their dog, a quarter 25% lacked plans to make that possible.

The authors urge veterinarians to take a proactive role by counseling owners on heat safety and emergency preparedness, providing practical tools like checklists, and tailoring advice to owners of high risk dogs. As climate change drives more frequent extreme temperatures and natural disasters, these small steps could make a life-saving difference for multitudes of dogs.

Read the full study here: https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/hai.2025.0035