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Livestock Emergency Evacuation

Moving animals takes time, space and people. A plan made before an emergency gives you a chance to act early without putting anyone in danger.

Why does livestock evacuation need a plan?

Animals cannot decide for themselves, and they may panic or resist moving. Trailers, drivers, destinations and handling skills all need to be arranged before you need them. Think about the species you keep, since cattle, horses, poultry, swine and small ruminants each behave and travel differently, and a plan for one group may not suit another.

The first rule is that people come first. If moving animals would put a person at risk, do not do it, and tell emergency officials what animals are on the property.

Think about the size of the herd and how long it would take to move it in different conditions. Be honest about what is possible, and consider moving animals earlier when forecasts or officials give a warning.

What should the plan include?

Decide which animals would be moved, where they would go, who would transport them and what route they would use. Have a second destination and route.

Ask your veterinarian, extension office and county emergency manager about local sheltering sites, since some counties maintain animal emergency plans. Do not assume they exist, but do ask.

Talk with other farms about sharing trailers, pens or pasture in a crisis. Write down the agreements and keep phone numbers handy, and ask your extension office whether county programs exist.

• Where animals will go
• Who will move them and with what vehicles
• Primary and backup routes
• Feed, water and supplies for the trip
• Identification and records for each animal

How should animals be identified?

Use identification you can read quickly, and keep records of species, numbers and ownership. Photos help. Ask your veterinarian and your state agriculture department what identification works with local rules.

Keep records in a waterproof folder and a digital copy somewhere safe. Include health records and your contact information.

Check what documents your state requires for moving animals, and ask your state veterinarian or department of agriculture. Rules differ, and this guide does not state them.

What about trailers, handling and training?

Practice loading calm animals before an emergency, and keep trailers in good repair. Handling frightened animals is risky, so ask an experienced handler or your veterinarian for training suited to your livestock.

Do not wait until a disaster to learn how to move animals safely. A practice run on a calm day helps.

Keep gates, panels and loading ramps in good repair. Plan for how animals will be fed and watered at the destination, and avoid mixing groups that may be a disease risk without asking your veterinarian.

• Practice loading on a calm day
• Keep trailers in good repair
• Ask your veterinarian for handling training

When should we leave animals in place?

Sometimes the safest option is to shelter animals where they are, such as when roads are flooded, a storm is overhead or fire is close. Ask your veterinarian and local officials how to decide.

If you leave animals behind, provide food and water according to your veterinarian's advice, and tell officials where they are.

Mark the location of animals left in place on your farm map and give it to officials. Do not return early to feed them if the area is still unsafe.

How do we coordinate with neighbors and officials?

Agree with neighbors on shared transport, shared holding sites and how to communicate. Tell your county emergency manager about your plan, and ask whether animal response teams exist near you.

Only enter an evacuation area when officials allow it.

Ask your county emergency manager whether volunteer animal response groups exist and how they work. Volunteers should work under official direction and with training.

• Share trailers and pens by agreement
• Write down who does what
• Tell officials about your plan

What happens afterward?

Check animals for injury, stress and exposure, and call your veterinarian. Keep records of losses for insurance and for any assistance programs. Confirm program details with USDA and Farmers.gov, since eligibility and dates change.

Losing animals is painful. Reach out for support, and in the US you can call or text 988 if you are struggling.

Ask your veterinarian about monitoring animals for stress, injury and illness after an event. Keep notes of anything unusual. Review your plan each year with your veterinarian, since changes in herd size, species and facilities can change what is realistic.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.