In 2022, the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s history scorched 341,471 acres in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, forcing the evacuation of pets from the City of Las Vegas Animal Care Center. In 2024, the same shelter faced evacuation again when heavy rains caused flooding from the Gallinas River. These events exemplify the increasing challenges U.S. animal rescue organizations face as climate change intensifies wildfires, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events.
Impact of Extreme Weather on Animal Shelters
Animal shelters across the U.S. are experiencing unprecedented pressures due to climate change. Hurricanes create an increased demand for housing displaced pets, while wildfires lead to higher euthanasia rates for cats. Research from 2022 highlights the growing need for animal welfare organizations to adapt and respond to these challenges. With approximately 50,000 animal welfare organizations in the country, the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition has played a critical role in rescuing thousands of pets from disaster-stricken areas since its inception in 2006.
During the 2022 wildfire and 2024 flood in New Mexico, the Santa Fe Animal Shelter stepped up to support displaced animals. Dylan Moore, the senior director of shelter operations, reported that the shelter took in dozens of dogs and cats and provided essential supplies like food and blankets to animals at emergency-evacuation camps. Moore notes that in his 13 years at the shelter, he has observed a noticeable increase in significant weather events, both in frequency and intensity. Human-caused climate change is a key driver behind more frequent and severe heat waves in the U.S.
Year-Round Monitoring and Response
Josh Cary, rescue operations director for American Humane, a U.S. animal-welfare organization, emphasizes the need for constant vigilance. Unlike in the past, there is no longer an off-season for extreme weather events. Cary’s organization now monitors weather nationwide year-round to anticipate the needs of animal-care facilities, a dramatic change from previous practices.
The challenge is further compounded as extreme weather and natural disasters increasingly impact regions unprepared for such conditions. For example, a severe heat wave in 2021 affected the Pacific Northwest, an area with minimal air-conditioning infrastructure. Similarly, Tornado Alley is shifting east and south, necessitating new preparations for regions previously less affected by tornadoes.
Adapting to New Realities
Organizations like the ASPCA, represented by Tim Rickey, vice president of national field response, stress the need for shelters to adapt to these changing conditions. For shelters in historically cooler areas, retrofitting buildings with air conditioning is becoming increasingly necessary. Animals with thick coats are particularly vulnerable to heat issues, as they struggle to cool down as effectively as humans.
Rickey and Cary both highlight the critical need for preparedness and adaptation among animal rescue organizations. This includes not only physical infrastructure changes but also enhanced training and readiness to respond to a broader range of extreme weather events.
As climate change continues to drive more frequent and severe weather events, animal rescue organizations must innovate and adapt to protect vulnerable pets. The efforts of shelters, coalitions, and national organizations underscore the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of these growing challenges. By evolving their strategies and infrastructure, animal welfare groups can better safeguard the lives and well-being of pets impacted by natural disasters.
