**Mexico City Leads the Way in Inclusive Disaster Preparedness with Animal Evacuation Drill**
Mexico City, Mexico - Every September 19th, Mexico conducts a national drill to strengthen disaster preparedness and foster a culture of prevention among the population. This year's exercise, a collaboration between animal protection organization Humane World for Animals and the Mexico City's Secretariat of Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC-CDMX), included an animal evacuation drill at the INFONAVIT Iztacalco housing complex in the Iztacalco district. Families who had previously received training on animal handling, identification, and evacuation participated in the simulation, demonstrating how adequate preparation can protect both people and Animals in emergencies.
Mexico City Leads the Way in Inclusive Disaster Preparedness with Animal Evacu
During the drill, residents safely evacuated their homes with their pets, showcasing the importance of inclusive planning. As part of the exercise, Humane World for Animalsdistributed emergency animal kits to participating families. These kits included harnesses, wet food, toys, and other basic items designed to support animal safety and well-being in crisis situations.
Annual drills, held in memory of devastating earthquakes in 1985 and 2017, encourage government institutions, companies, schools, and communities to test their emergency plans and evacuation procedures. This year's event also served as an opportunity to promote more inclusive preparation measures, recognizing that effective disaster planning must consider the safety and well-being of both humans and Animals.
Felipe Márquez, Latin America Disaster Response Program Manager at Humane World for Animals, stated: "The National Drill is a crucial activity not only for Mexico City but for the entire country. Incorporating animals into these preparation exercises is essential and will make a significant difference in the face of disaster planning and response challenges. We've seen a great interest and very positive participation from the community and authorities involved in this first national drill focused on inclusive animal evacuation."
As part of its collaboration with SGIRPC-CDMX, Humane World for Animals has provided training to the Mexico City's Institute of Housing (INVI), local authorities, emergency response organizations, and military personnel, among others. The organization offers support in disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and response worldwide to help animals and affected communities. In June 2025, the team deployed to Oaxaca to assist people and animals impacted by Hurricane Erick, and in 2023 and 2024, they responded to emergencies triggered by Hurricanes Otis and John in Guerrero state. Humane World for Animals has also provided aid to animals affected by other disasters in Mexico and globally.