The natural disasters created by Hurricane Katrina were among the first to get the veterinary community and government to focus on the need for emergency management plans to include animals. More recent reminders of natural disasters such as Hurricane Sandy continue to remind us that private practice veterinarians should also know how to respond in the event of a federal or state-wide disaster. They should have a plan in place in case of an individual disaster specific to their practice or immediate surroundings, as well. This article provides an overview of what changes took place in disaster management after Hurricane Katrina; the importance of having written disaster plans in place; and some practical tips and sample language practitioners can easily implement.