Companion Animals’ Influence on Guardians’ Disaster Risk and Impact Perception and Willingness to Evacuate: Atlantic Canadian Focus

Abstract This study examines whether companion animal guardianship characteristics have an association with disaster risk perception, impact perception, and evacuation willingness among Atlantic Canadian guardians. While previous research often treats guardianship as a binary measure, this study considers the count, type, health status, and role of companion animals. Based on 936 valid survey responses, proportional odds logistic regression models show each additional companion animal reduced the odds of higher risk perception (OR = 0.872, p < 0.01 ), impact perception (OR = 0.910, p = 0.016 ), and evacuation willingness (OR = 0.876, p < 0.01 ). Animal type was associated with odds ranges of 0.70–1.52 for risk perception, 0.68–1.71 for impact perception, and 1.00–1.92 for evacuation willingness. Guardianship of animals with chronic health conditions or emotional-support or service animals was associated with higher perceived impact but lower evacuation willingness. Findings suggest preparedness should address multianimal households and species-specific evacuation needs.