By Tim Poe, Red Cross volunteer

“We found a cat!” I was descending a stairwell, having spent the day assisting those impacted by a multi-family fire, when a firefighter and police officer rushed in. They had found someone’s pet, soot-covered, but alive. Reaching out to the family so they could contact the fire department about their pet is among my favorite American Red Cross experiences. I’ve also seen how much animal family members mean during times of crisis, whether helping recover from tragedy or mourning their loss.

Over the past year, the Red Cross Northern Ohio Region has improved its ability to ensure pets are included when assisting families after a disaster. Megan Sylvester, Regional Recovery Manager for the Red Cross, has led this initiative.

Megan, who has a zoology degree and extensive experience caring for and working with animals–including having “two rescue pitties and a shepherd” of her own–realized the need for improved pet care after responding to a home fire in which three cats died. When asked what the family could do with the bodies, she did not have an immediate answer. She knew pets are important family members that bring joy and comfort to our lives, and that the issue had to be addressed.

The efforts are having tremendous results. In January alone, the Northern Ohio DisasterAssistance Team (DAT) responded to 121 events, aided 454 people (330 adults and 124 children) and 226 household pets, including seven emotional support andthree service animals. Most were dogs and cats, but there were also small mammals, lizards, and a bird. Building partnerships has been key in this effort. These include Neighborhood Pets Outreach & Resource Center, which helps people of all income levels care for their pets, BereaARF, a no-time-limit animal rescue, and Faithful Companion, which provides service after a pet has died. These partners help ensure families recovering from a disaster have resources for pet food, bedding and, when needed, services totake care of their pet’s remains.

In addition to her local efforts, Megan said that nationally, the Red Cross now has a household pet program. Sadly, people have perished in large disasters because they did not want to leave their pets behind. There were no pet shelters, so they did not evacuate. The national household pet program is meant to address this issue. 

Megan helped the national effort while aiding families impacted by California floods, where she saw how greatly pets helped those recovering from disaster as well as Red Cross members. 

Working as a pet liaison, she helped coordinate Red Cross efforts with those of humane societies, the ASPCA, animal control and shelter organizations, veterinarians, a pet groomer, and therapy dogs (pet visitation is also an important part of the Red Cross’s Services to the Armed Forces).

“Walking a dog brings a little bit of normalcy,” Megan said. “helping both human and animal.” She also spoke of a young girl who was comforted by keeping her pet fish nearby. Overall, the pets brought, “A little sunshine during rainy days.”

The Red Cross offers tips on including pets in your disaster preparedness plans. The Red Cross also offers an online Cat & Dog First Aid training course and a pet first aid app.