Emergency Preparedness for Senior and Ill Pets: What the Texas Floods and LA Fires Can Teach Us

Emergency Preparedness for Senior and Ill Pets: What the Texas Floods and LA Fires Can Teach Us
By Michelle Nichols, MS, HonCAHP | Animal Hospice Coach, Educator, Mentor, and AHELP Founder

When disaster strikes—like the Texas floods and the Los Angeles wildfires—our senior pets are often the most vulnerable. Pets with mobility issues, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions need more time, care, and planning to evacuate safely. By now, you know we advocate for planning in advance of need, and being prepared in the relatively low chance of a disaster is no exception.

With 2025 tragedies like these and the impact it had on pets becoming lost, separated, or unhoused, we became inspired to research what it takes to prepare for your furry family’s care in case of disasters like these–and what to do so you can reunite with them. In this blog post, you’ll find expert-backed emergency preparedness tips for pet parents, with a special focus on pet disaster planning, flood safety for pets, fire evacuation, and reuniting with your beloved senior dog or cat.

🧳 1. Pack a Pet Emergency Kit for Senior Dogs and Cats in Palliative Care

For pets receiving hospice and palliative care, pack a 7–10 day go-bag that supports their comfort and medical needs:

• High-protein pet food and clean water
• Daily medications, supplements, and a list of dosages
• Veterinary records for emergency care continuity
• Soft bedding, absorbent incontinence pads, and a familiar toy
• First aid supplies for senior pets in palliative care
• Secure leash or carrier
• Smoke protection masks for respiratory-compromised pets

These preparations are essential for those considering what pet hospice care is and seeking ways to ensure animal end-of-life comfort care during evacuation.

🛣️ 2. Evacuation Planning for Senior Pets in Hospice

The 2025 disasters showed how quickly families can become displaced. Families enrolled in pet hospice services near me or in-home pet hospice care should:

• Plan multiple pet-friendly evacuation routes
• Confirm backup boarding or trusted pet sitters
• Coordinate with veterinary teams offering pet hospice at home
• Practice loading and unloading your pet safely

This is part of understanding how pet hospice works—ensuring your pet’s comfort and stability no matter the circumstances.

🐾 3. Mobility and Comfort Support During Disaster Evacuation

Pet hospice and euthanasia discussions often include mobility concerns. During an emergency:

• Use lift harnesses and dog ramps to reduce joint strain
• Bring incontinence products for senior pets
• Pack calming sprays or supplements for anxious pets
• Secure pets in top-loading carriers or soft crates
• Ensure large-breed dogs have supportive hospice harnesses for safe transfers

When researching “what is hospice care for dogs” or “what is hospice care for cats”, remember that proactive comfort planning is key to a peaceful end-of-life journey.

🔥 4. Fire Preparedness for Senior Pets in Comfort Care

Families engaged in pet hospice at home near me must also plan for fire season:

• Keep N95-style masks for pets with respiratory issues
• Use HEPA-filtered air purifiers for indoor spaces
• Apply pet alert stickers for first responders
• Avoid outdoor exposure during air quality alerts

Protecting your pet’s respiratory health is a vital part of animal end-of-life comfort care, especially in regions like Seattle and Bellevue, WA, that could be affected by an earthquake.

🌊 5. Flood Planning: Lessons from the Texas Floods

Flooding creates unique risks for pets in palliative care for pets:

• Stock floatable or waterproof carriers
• Use pet life jackets for dogs
• Keep ID tags water-resistant and visible
• Store supplies in sealed bins above flood levels
• Never leave pets tied or crated outdoors

For families asking, how does pet hospice work during a disaster? — this level of planning preserves dignity, safety, and stability for your pet.

🐶 6. Microchip, ID, and Reunification Tips

Senior pets receiving in-home euthanasia or pet therapy in hospice often have fragile emotional or medical states. Prepare:

• Keep microchip info current with your vet’s contact details
• Use readable ID tags on collars or harnesses
• Include printed photos and medical instructions in your kit
• Register with regional pet alert systems
• Know how to contact local shelters and pet hospice services near me

🚨 Rescue Tips: Helping Pets in Crisis

Even if your own pet is safe, you may come across pets in need. The AHELP Project encourages compassionate, informed rescue:

🐕 For Dogs:

• Speak calmly and avoid direct eye contact
• Use slip leads from your pet hospice emergency kit
• Support hips and chest when lifting senior dogs
• Photograph and log location for shelter reporting

🐈 For Cats: Look up—cats climb to rooftops and trees Wrap gently with a towel to reduce injury risk Use quiet carriers treated with calming pheromones Do not attempt high rescues—call animal control

Photo caption: Countless cats and dogs were found on rooftops and in trees in the Texas floods. When rescuing - look UP! Then call for help so you can stay safe and help other pets too. Photo credit: Best Friends Animal Society

🧭 Who to Call in Emergencies

• Local humane society or pet hospice providers in Seattle and Bellevue, WA, or your local region
• Emergency rescue teams for trapped animals
• Facebook rescue groups and neighborhood networks
• National orgs like Best Friends Animal Society, RedRover, and ASPCA Disaster Response.

Pet Emergency Checklist

Table caption: Use AHELP’s checklist to prepare your pet and gather supplies to pack in case of emergency.

🧡 Why Planning Matters Hospice and palliative care for pets in Bellevue, WA, and the greater Seattle area often includes tough decisions about comfort, dignity, and emergency preparedness. Whether you're just starting to explore, “what is pet hospice”, or you're already receiving support, taking these steps helps ensure pet quality of life and your personal peace of mind. 🛠️ Need Support? At AHELP, we specialize in animal hospice and palliative care, offering pet hospice journals, personalized coaching, and pet therapy for hospice patients to help you make informed, compassionate choices. 👉 Explore Partners to the Bridge Coaching for expert guidance on caring for your aging or ill pet—before, during, and after a diagnosis, a stressful event, or when you are looking for someone to companion you both toward the Rainbow Bridge. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

( Blog post banner photo: Use AHELP’s checklist to prepare your pet and gather supplies to pack in case of emergency, photo courtesy: CAL Fire. )

ARTICLE REFERENCES

1. Protecting Your Pets During the Los Angeles Wildfires: [Figo Pet Insurance]
2. 8 Expert Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During a Natural Disaster [Better Homes & Gardens]
3. Resources for Pet Owners Affected by the 2025 California Wildfire [LUFTPETS]
4. State fire marshal offers pet safety tips [Midland Reporter-Telegram]
5. Emergency Preparedness [Los Angeles Animal Services]
6. Veterinarian explains how to protect pets amid wildfires [ABC News]
7. Essential Guide for Wildfire Evacuation Safety | CAL FIRE [Ready for Wildfire]
8. Wildfire Safety: How to Stay Prepared and Keep Your Pets Safe [aspca.org]
9. Pet Disaster Preparedness and Recovery [Red Cross]
10.  Flood Safety Tips for Pets: Creating a Disaster Plan [barrysvetsdromore.com]
11. Disaster Readiness for Pets [Sugar River Animal Hospital]
12. Uniting to Rescue Pets After Texas Floods [Best Friends]

About the Author: Michelle Nichols Animal Hospice Coach, Educator, and Nonprofit Leader I'm Michelle, the Founder of AHELP Project. I am dedicated to caring for my pets with love, healthy choices, and trusted providers. I'm grateful to share lessons on life and loss through the AHELP Project. I'm looking forward to connecting with you!