“Together in the midst of disaster”... A call to institutionalize evacuation with pets

The recent wildfires in Andong, Gyeongbuk, have left a deep scar on not only humans but also pets. Animals trapped in the flames without being rescued, and those who survived but were left untreated, revealed how vulnerable our society is in the face of disasters.

Especially in rural areas where there are many elderly people, it was difficult for them to evacuate with their pets due to lack of vehicles or transportation, a problem that stems from a lack of social preparedness rather than individual responsibility.

Currently, evacuation with pets is not institutionally guaranteed in South Korea during disasters. Many evacuation centers still do not allow animals, and many citizens prioritize their pets' safety over their own, causing them to abandon evacuation or become disorganized. This, in turn, negatively impacts the disaster response system.

This is why there is an urgent need to enact the “Evacuation with Pets Act” and establish official guidelines. This law guarantees the right of pets and animals to evacuate safely together in the event of a disaster, and mandates that necessary facilities and equipment be secured for this purpose. It also establishes a public rescue system to prevent straying and abandonment, emphasizing prevention rather than post-recovery.

The Andong wildfires are a warning that can no longer be delayed. The government and the National Assembly must act now to create a society where people and animals live together.

We call for the establishment of a pet evacuation system and legislation!

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In March 2025, a large forest fire in Andong, Gyeongbuk, Korea, left a tragedy not only for humans but also for pets. The images of animals trapped in the flames and dying without being rescued, or surviving but not being treated, show how our society treats animals and pets. Evacuating with pets was difficult, especially in rural areas where there are many elderly residents, and this is not a matter of individual responsibility, but a lack of societal preparedness.

Evacuating with pets in a disaster like this is still not institutionally guaranteed. Most evacuation centers do not allow animals, which leads to pet owners either abandoning active evacuation or hiding their animals to enter the shelter. As a result, the orderliness and efficiency of the disaster response is compromised, and abandoned animals add to the social costs.

Therefore, it is urgent to enact the “Evacuation with Pets Act” and establish guidelines for evacuation with pets. This legislation should guarantee the right to evacuate with pets during disasters, require local governments and evacuation centers to secure animal accommodation facilities and equipment, and include pets in disaster response manuals. This will act as a proactive measure to protect the lives of both humans and animals.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why is it important to evacuate with pets?

A: Failure to evacuate with pets during a disaster can lead to pet owners abandoning evacuation or causing chaos. Abandoned animals also lead to increased social costs.

Q: Do shelters in South Korea currently accept pets?

A: Most shelters do not allow pets. In some areas, “communal shelters” where pets can stay together have been discussed, but progress has been slow.

Q: What are “pet evacuation laws”?

A: It is a bill that guarantees the right to evacuate with pets during a disaster and requires local governments and shelters to secure the necessary facilities and equipment.

Q: Are other countries doing this?

A: Some countries, such as the United States, have evacuation plans that include pets in disaster situations, and some areas provide facilities for people and animals to stay together.

Q: What issues did the Andong wildfires highlight?

A: The difficulty for the elderly to evacuate with their pets, the confusion caused by the ban on animals in evacuation centers, and the suffering of stray dogs and cats who were not rescued were the main issues.

#pet evacuation #disaster response #safe society #pet responsibility #coexistence society

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