Hill’s Disaster
Relief Network: Helping Pets
in Need

All too often, pets become silent victims when disasters strike. Tornadoes, earthquakes, and wildfires can leave local shelters inundated with dozens of pets that get displaced from their homes.

We believe every pet deserves to live their best life, which is why we partner with shelters across the nation as part of our Hill’s Disaster Relief Network. This first-of-its-kind network was established in 2013 through our Food, Shelter & Love program with a mission to provide nutritional support for pets and shelters in need.

OVER THE LAST 8 YEARS, THE DISASTER RELIEF NETWORK HAS...
Supported 700 shelters, vet clinics and other nonprofits caring for pets Responded to more than 120 emergencies Donated over 1.1 MILLION pounds of food

No matter the disaster, every paw can use a helping hand

We partner with shelters, veterinary clinics, nonprofits, and governmental organizations in all types of natural disasters to ensure that pets and shelter animals are cared for. Here are some recent natural disasters we’ve helped address.

Wildfire Icon
WILDFIRE

Canada, Australia, United States

Tornado Icon
TORNADO

Nashville Tornadoes, 2020

Hurricane Icon
HURRICANE

Hurricane Harvey, 2017

Flood Icon
FLOOD

Louisiana Floods, Katrina

Lava Icon
LAVA FLOWS

Hawaii

Earthquake Icon
EARTHQUAKE

Mexico

Tsunami Icon
TSUNAMI

Japan

Coronavirus Icon
COVID-19

Global

Frequently asked questions

  • When should I start preparing for an emergency?

    Right now! A few preparations today can make a world of difference in the future – especially when it comes to your dog or cat. Rather than suffer the stress of scrambling to help your pet at the last minute, the best decisions in an emergency are made before it even happens.

  • Why do you think so many pet families find themselves unprepared when a natural disaster or storm strikes?

    Disasters often strike without warning. That’s why we’re spreading the message for pet families to be prepared. Planning ahead is the best way for families to ensure that all members of their family, including pets, are ready to face an emergency.

  • Are there different tips for different types of disasters (tornado, hurricane, fire, etc.)?

    Many preparedness tips are relevant to any type of disaster, but you may have additional considerations based on where you live. Think about the most logical scenarios that could happen around your area and the different ways people in your community might respond.

  • What is Emergency Preparedness Week?

    Emergency Preparedness Week, established by the Government of Canada, occurs the first full week of May to inform and educate people about disaster preparedness. We're working with our shelter partners to make sure more people are having this conversation, and to help pet parents include their furry family members in their plans.

  • What should you do if your pet becomes injured during a disaster?

    Pet parents should immediately contact a local veterinarian or animal shelter if a pet is injured. While a veterinarian should be the first point of contact, local shelters often become hubs for animal care during a disaster and will likely have veterinarians on-site to help treat injured pets.

  • Hill’s is a pet food company — why would you be involved in disaster responses?

    Beyond our role as a pet food company, we believe in helping pets live their best lives any way we can. While our expertise is creating science-based pet nutrition, we also support the pets and people impacted by a disaster, and we are grateful to partner with shelters, veterinary hospitals, nonprofits, and governmental organizations to ensure that pets and shelter animals are fed and cared for. Established in 2013 through the Food, Shelter & Love program, Hill’s Disaster Relief Network is a first-of-its-kind network that has provided more than 400,000 pounds of food in response to more than 100 disasters nationwide.

  • How is the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network related to the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love Program?

    It’s part of Hill's mission to provide pets with the best care humanly possible. We’ve always responded to disasters around the world but created the Disaster Relief Network in 2013 to provide a more structured response to communities impacted by disaster in North America. As a direct extension of Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, the Network initially partnered with 100 shelters that were already responding in times of crisis, providing them with free Hill’s products to help meet the needs of pets in their care. Today, we work with many more organizations including veterinary clinics, nonprofits and governmental entities that are also focused on animal welfare.

  • I work for a shelter — how does my shelter become part of your program?

    We’re always looking for new opportunities to help more pets. If you work at a shelter and are interested in becoming part of our Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, please visit our shelter program page.

Is your pet ready for an emergency?

No one wants to think about a disaster, but the proper precautions can keep your pet safe and add peace of mind to your everyday life. Check out our page with helpful resources to prepare you and your pet.