How Hurricane Katrina shaped IFAW’s disaster response, 20 years later

Two decades of unwavering commitment 

From emergency response to global leadership 

Our work today looks very different than it did two decades ago. Back then, we raced to save lives once disaster had struck. Today, we still respond to emergencies, but our strategy goes further—we help communities prepare for disasters before they happen and grow resilient to their impacts. 

IFAW’s skills and dedication have enabled us to respond to hurricanes, wildfires, floods, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and even war zones. Among our many responses, we’ve helped animals and people impacted by: 

• Wildfires in Australia, Greece, and North America—providing emergency care and long-term rehabilitation for wildlife, coupled with efforts to rebuild habitats 
• Hurricanes in the US and Caribbean—rescuing animals, reuniting families, and restoring hope 
• Floods in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe—supporting displaced communities and ensuring animals remain safe and receive care 
• Conflict in Ukraine, Syria, and DRC—delivering emergency food, supplies, and daily care for animals impacted by war 
• Volcanic eruptions in Latin America and Indonesia—providing veterinary services, temporary shelter, and clean drinking water 

Each crisis has contributed to our knowledge, shaping a cycle of lessons learned before, during, and after disasters that informs our strategy everywhere we work. 

The work between disasters 

When headlines fade, our work continues. The reason we are effective in an emergency is because of what happens during the rest of the year. We invest in building local capacity and ensure communities have the training and resources they need long before disaster strikes. 

In northern Thailand, for example, last year’s extreme floods prompted IFAW to award emergency grants to three shelters. Today, those same partners have evacuation plans and are preparing for the next flood season. With additional support, they’ll be ready to act quickly and protect animals and people alike. This proactive approach—turning last year’s lessons into this year’s resilience—is at the heart of how we work. 

Building the future: resilience for animals and people 

Looking ahead, the changing climate will continue to drive more frequent and severe disasters. That’s why we are scaling our efforts—investing in community resilience, advocacy, and local leadership. Through initiatives like IFAW’s Academy of Rescue & Conservation (ARC), which offers several online disaster response training modules and hosts in-person workshops around the world, we’re equipping decision-makers and responders with the tools and knowledge they need to save more lives. 

And we don’t do this alone. Our progress over the past two decades has only been possible thanks to the dedication of our partners and the generosity of our donors worldwide who sustain this lifesaving work. 

A call to action 

As we reflect on the havoc Hurricane Katrina wreaked upon our country 20 years ago, IFAW’s commitment is clear: animals and the people who care for them must never be an afterthought in disasters. The lessons from Katrina continue to guide us today, shaping our approach to preparation, response, and resilience across the globe. 

Here in the US, this anniversary also marks the beginning of National Disaster Preparedness Month —a reminder each September to every community, household, and family that preparation saves lives. As disasters become more frequent and more severe, we encourage you to take steps now: make a plan for yourself, your loved ones, and your animals.