Why plan before an emergency?
Wildfires, floods, storms, ice and disease outbreaks can all threaten livestock. Under stress you will not think clearly, so a plan made in calm times is your best tool. Livestock disease outbreaks are another kind of emergency, and your state veterinarian's office can tell you how to report and what movement limits might apply.
Plans also protect people. Going back for an animal in danger causes injuries and deaths, so decide ahead what you will do and where your limits are.
Talk through the plan with everyone in your household. A plan that lives only in your head does not help a neighbor or family member who has to act for you.
- Wildfire and smoke
- Flood and mud
- Severe storms and wind
- Winter storms and power loss
- Disease outbreaks
What should my plan include?
Write down which animals you have, where you would take them and how you would move them. Include contact numbers for your vet, neighbors, a trucking helper and your county emergency management office. Add a map showing gates, water sources and shut offs so anyone can help in your absence.
Make sure every animal can be identified, with photos and records stored somewhere safe. Ask your vet about permanent identification options.
Know your evacuation routes and have a second route in mind. Keep a printed copy in the truck and another in the house.
- Animal list with photos and identification
- Evacuation destination and backup
- Transport vehicles and helpers
- Vet and emergency contact numbers
What supplies do I need?
Keep a kit of feed, water, medicines, first aid items, halters, tools and records. Store it where you can grab it quickly. Ask your vet what belongs in a livestock first aid kit. Include a headlamp and warm clothing for yourself, since you may be working in the dark and cold.
Have enough water for several days if power fails, and a way to supply animals when the pump is down.
Check supplies each year and replace anything expired. Rotate feed and medicine so you are not caught with spoiled or expired stock.
- Several days of feed and water
- Halters, leads and tools
- First aid items from your vet
- Copies of records and photos
- Flashlights and spare batteries
How do I stay informed?
Sign up for local emergency alerts and watch the National Weather Service for warnings. Ready.gov, FEMA and your county emergency management office explain how to prepare and what to do.
Know what hazards are most likely where you live, such as wildfire, flood or severe storms, and plan for them first.
Do not wait until the last minute to move large animals, since they take time to load. Have a battery or hand crank radio in case phones and power fail.
What about sheltering in place?
Sometimes staying is safer than leaving. Ask your emergency management office when evacuation is advised and when it is not, and how to choose between them.
If you shelter animals on your land, choose the safest field or building, remove hazards and make sure they have food and water.
Never put yourself in danger to rescue an animal. A neighbor who agrees to check on your animals when you are away can be a lifesaver.
What happens after the emergency?
Check animals for injuries, stress and exposure and call your vet for anything that looks wrong. Check fences, water and feed before turning animals out. Document damage with dated photos before cleaning up.
Photograph damage and keep records in case you apply for assistance. Ask the USDA Farm Service Agency and your county emergency management about help programs and their rules.
Take care of yourself and your family too. If the stress feels overwhelming, you can call or text 988 in the US. Check hay and water supplies before assuming they are safe, since floods and fires can contaminate them.
How do I practice?
Practice loading animals into trailers so they are used to it. Review the plan twice a year, and update contacts and routes. Ask neighbors to join, since several farms practicing together can share trailers and know each other's animals.
Make a buddy plan with neighbors, so help is close.
Share the plan with a family member who lives away. Do a short practice run each season so the plan feels familiar.
Key takeaways
- Write a plan, practice it and share it with everyone who helps.
- Keep identification, records and a ready kit.
- Sign up for local alerts and know your hazards.
- Never risk your own life to save an animal.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.