On 18th June 2026, FVE and EU Health Policy Platform (EUHPP) convened a joint webinar: Animals in Disasters, the Cost of Being Unprepared and the Essential Role of Veterinarians. The event attracted almost 200 interested colleagues from across the world to explore the multi-faceted value of veterinary expertise in times of crisis, as well as the benefits of incorporating animals and veterinarians into preparedness planning.
The recording is available now (HERE)! Slides are available below. Report will be available soon.
Jane Clark (FVE Vice President) opened the webinar, and speakers shared their valuable perspectives and insights:
- Paolo Dalla Villa (WOAH) presented: ‘Unseen Victims, Unseen Risks: Animals in Disasters, the cost of being unprepared and the essential role of veterinarians’. Slides here.
- Ruud Tombrock (Humane World for Animals Europe) presented: ‘The Human-Animal Bond in Disasters: Why Companion Animals Matter in Humanitarian response’. Slides here.
- Alida Brkan (Dogs Trust Worldwide Foundation Bosnia) presented: ‘Animals in Disasters: Lessons from Bosnia and Herzegovina’. Slides here.
The Q&A session moderated by FVE Vice President Jane Clark featured all speakers, the following topics were posed as questions:
- How can we encourage governments to advance in the areas of prevention, preparedness and early detection?
- Opportunity to address the topic of animals in disasters in EU legislation
- Priorities for zoos, wildlife and rehabilitation centres
FVE Vice President Jane Clark concluded the event by thanking speakers for their contributions and participants for their time and attention. Key messages were also highlighted:
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Veterinary services are critical to emergency response and should be integrated into emergency management plans, beginning during peace times. Effective One Health management plans should be put in place.
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Need to shift from reactive to a proactive approach which acknowledges the role of animals and veterinary services.
- “Listen, learn and establish trust”
- The strength of the human-animal bond cannot be underestimated
- Companion animals must be integrated into disaster preparedness planning, not only as a secondary issue, it can impact human survival, operation effectiveness and human wellbeing.
- Preventing pet loss and separation through all-inclusive planning supports emotional resilience
- Collaboration between humanitarian organisations, animal welfare organisations and veterinarians is key, and should be integrated into plans
- “Protecting animals protects people”
- Preparedness begins long before disaster occurs – by recognising risks, strengthening systems and reducing vulnerabilities
- Veterinarians play an essential role in disasters relevant to: Public health, food security, environmental protection
