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

Author

Listed:
  • Rachel DouglasMS
  • Ayberk KocatepeMS
  • Anne E BarrettPhD
  • Eren Erman OzguvenPhD
  • Clayton GumberMS
  • Deborah CarrPhDDecision Editor

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel DouglasMS & Ayberk KocatepeMS & Anne E BarrettPhD & Eren Erman OzguvenPhD & Clayton GumberMS & Deborah CarrPhDDecision Editor, 2019. "Evacuating People and Their Pets: Older Floridians’ Need for and Proximity to Pet-Friendly Shelters," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 74(6), pages 1032-1040.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:74:y:2019:i:6:p:1032-1040.
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