ABSTRACT
Natural and anthropogenic hazards and disasters have long been part of the planet's history. Trends over the last 50 years indicate that weather-, climate- and water-related disasters have been increasing in frequency and intensity and continue to threaten not only human life, but also the life of animals and the vital ecosystems we share. To maintain the health and safety of animals, we must incorporate collaborative planning and response for animal protection and promotion. This includes using One Health and related approaches, which draw on the inclusion of relative public and private entities in highly organized systems for an “all of society” perspective to emergency management. The value of animals to societies is immeasurable, and without animals, humans and the planet could not survive. The time is now to build upon existing emergency management to ensure individuals and societies, and their animals, are prepared for and can effectively respond to and successfully recover from disasters. This will be key to advancing societal health resilience into the future for all living species and the environment.
