Abstract:
There has been increasing international and national attention to the inclusion of a focus on animals that are living with people at the time of disaster. A review of current research literature suggests that a suitable lens for considering the needs of companion animals and their families is a relational one that emphasises the human-animal bond. This presentation suggests that disaster planning in human service organisations must therefore emphasise not only the animal rights and welfare aspects of disasters but also the human behaviour within response and recovery processes. Taking an inclusive stance that considers animals as part of the human family, this presentation explores key messages from previous disaster settings and considers the implications for disaster preparation and response within New Zealand agencies.