Evacuating People and Their Pets: Older Floridians’ Need for and Proximity to Pet-Friendly Shelters

Rachel DouglasMS, Ayberk KocatepeMS, Anne E BarrettPhD, Eren Erman OzguvenPhD, Clayton GumberMS and Deborah CarrPhDDecision Editor

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2019, vol. 74, issue 6, 1032-1040

Abstract: ObjectivesPets influence evacuation decisions, but little is known about pet-friendly emergency shelters’ availability or older adults’ need for them. Our study addresses this issue, focusing on the most densely populated area of Florida (Miami-Dade)—the state with the oldest population and greatest hurricane susceptibility.MethodWe use Geographic Information Systems (GIS)–based methodology to identify the shortest paths to pet-friendly shelters, based on distance and congested and uncongested travel times—taking into account the older population’s spatial distribution. Logistic regression models using the 2013 American Housing Survey’s Disaster Planning Module examine anticipated shelter use as a function of pet ownership and requiring pet evacuation assistance.ResultsThirty-four percent of older adults in the Miami-Dade area have pets—35% of whom report needing pet evacuation assistance. However, GIS accessibility measures show that travel time factors are likely to impede older adults’ use of the area’s few pet-friendly shelters. Logistic regression results reveal that pet owners are less likely to report anticipating shelter use; however, the opposite holds for pet owners reporting they would need help evacuating their pets—they anticipate using shelters.DiscussionHigh pet shelter need coupled with low availability exacerbates older adults’ heightened vulnerability during Florida’s hurricane season.

Keywords: Emergency preparedness/disaster response; Public policy; Transportation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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The Journals of Gerontology: Series B is currently edited by Psychological Sciences - S. Duke Han, PhD and Social Sciences - Jessica A Kelley, PhD, FGSA

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