Should facilities have a disaster plan for animals?

Having a disaster plan for animals in research facilities is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals, as well as the continuity of research operations. A well-developed disaster plan addresses potential emergencies such as natural disasters, fires, power outages, or other incidents that could endanger animal welfare or disrupt research activities.

Animal welfare regulations and ethical guidelines mandate that institutions must consider the animals' needs and create contingency plans that outline how to protect them in the event of a disaster. This includes procedures for evacuation, sheltering in place, and maintaining necessary care for the animals throughout an emergency situation.

As such, it is imperative for facilities to establish comprehensive disaster plans to meet regulatory requirements and promote responsible stewardship of the animals under their care. This is why the assertion that facilities should have a disaster plan for animals is unequivocally true.