Coastal communitiesCoastal communities in developing countries experience considerable difficulties in protecting livestock and pets during disasters, as disaster managementDisaster management frameworks primarily emphasise human safety. This research investigates Kuttanad, a flood-affected area in KeralaKerala, India, where frequent monsoon flooding adversely impacts both livelihoods and psychological well-being. Using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methodology, the project investigates community experiences and adaptive strategies for animal sheltering in disasters. Findings indicate that the absence of formal policies and infrastructure forces residents to either abandon animals or risk their personal safety in efforts to protect them. While community-driven solutions like keeping animals on bridges illustrate local adaptability, they also show inefficiencies in dealing with the risk of flooding. This paper proposes the integration of modular animal shelters, the incorporation of animal welfareAnimal welfare into disaster preparednessDisaster preparedness policies, and the promotion of community participation in shelter planning, drawing on global best practices. The research highlights the necessity of integrating human and animal welfare within disaster frameworks to improve resilienceResilience within flood-prone areas such as Kuttanad.