You never know when a disaster could strike. As a pet owner, you may suddenly find yourself having to care for your pets as well as your family.
So it is important to include them in your disaster planning.
If you need to evacuate, take your pets if at all possible. If it is too dangerous for you to stay at your property, then it will probably be dangerous for your pets and anyone coming to their rescue.
Also, you may not know when you will be able to return to them.
Please ensure that your pet is properly restrained when brought to the evacuation centre.
Prepare your pet
Attach a permanent disc to your pet's collar that clearly states your name, phone number and, if there is room, your address.
If you have a dog, ensure that it is registered and wears the licence tag. If your dog is microchipped and registered with your District Council, this information will be automatically registered on the national dog database, enabling better identification and tracing of your dog.
Contact your vet regarding microchip and registration options for pets other than dogs.
Ensure your pet has regular vaccinations, as many animal shelters will not accept unvaccinated animals.
Have a plan
When you sit down to plan how the family will respond in an emergency, remember to plan for your family pets as well, to help them get through safely.
Be prepared at home
Include pet supplies in your emergency kit:
- Food and water for at least three days.
- Medication that the animal may need.
- Supplies for the animal’s hygiene.
Include in your getaway kit:
- Collar; and leash/or a cage or carry box (depending on the pet).
- Muzzle for the dog.
- Vaccination cards - this will help if your pet needs to be accommodated.
- Feeding bowls.
- A photo of your pet to assist with identification and re-uniting you with your pet.
- Pet litter and/or litter box.
- Rubbish bags to clean up after your pet.
- Newspaper, etc, to ensure hygiene to suit the pet.
- Favourite toy and blanket or bedding.
- Record of current registration and microchip numbers.
Owner's responsibilities
Under New Zealand law:
- It is the owner’s responsibility to always see to the physical, health and behavioural needs of their pets.
- It is an offence to desert or abandon your pets without reasonable excuse.
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