As horse owners we want what’s best for our horses and our responsibility includes advance planning to safeguard their health and safety. Protect your horses in emergency situations and ensure they get the care they need by being prepared and proactive.

Emergency Preparedness for Horses

There’s Far More To It Than You Might Think

Commercial horse transporter Kevan Garecki has taken part in rescuing and evacuating animals during wildfires and flooding in BC. He shares his vast wealth of knowledge on what you should do to prepare for a disaster before it hits. As Kevan says, "No matter what you think you know, it's not enough."

BC’s Flooding and Heat Dome Among Most Devastating Climate Events of 2021



The extreme heat that hit British Columbia in June, 2021, is described as the deadliest weather event in Canadian history. The heat dome and the flooding that followed in November of that year were ranked among the world’s most devastating climate events in 2021.

How Climate Change is Affecting Our Horse Industry

Here’s What You Can Do

With almost 90 percent of Canadians in recent surveys saying they’ve already seen climate change effects in their communities, it’s worth understanding how climate change will affect horses and properties into the future, and what you can do to prepare for these changes.

Wildfire! Flood! Earthquake!

Horse-Specific Emergency Planning

In the event of a natural disaster like an earthquake, fire, flood or tornado, do any of us have what it takes to make the best of the worst situation? While it’s uncomfortable to think about what would happen if we suffered at the wrath of Mother Nature, we aren’t doing ourselves or our horses any favours by ignoring the possibility of a natural or man-made disaster.

Horses and Wildfire Smoke

The effects of smoke on horses are similar to effects on humans: irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, aggravation of conditions like heaves (recurrent airway obstruction), and reduced lung function. Smoke particulates can also alter the immune system and reduce the ability of the lungs to remove foreign materials, such as pollen and bacteria, to which horses are normally exposed.

Barn on Fire!

How to Reduce the Ever-Present Risk

It takes only three to four minutes of the fire starting for the barn to be completely filled with smoke, and a barn will be completely engulfed in less than six minutes. Take the time to explore the many things you can do to help reduce the risk of fire in your barn

Equine Emergency Preplan Checklist

It’s important to familiarize yourself with any potential risks that could occur in your area and plan for them accordingly. Planning ahead can allow horse owners the opportunity to stay composed and act quickly in an emergency situation.

Equine Insurance Coverage for Natural Disasters

Natural disasters impact the equine community by causing loss and damage to barns, fencing, pastures, feed supplies and livestock. There may also be consequential losses, such as loss of business income, resulting from the property loss. Learn about the types of insurance coverage available to ensure that you are well-protected against risks.

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