Include your pets in emergency plans

If you have pets you need to include them in your emergency planning. In a disaster you may have to leave your home, your suburb or even North Shore City. Depending on the nature of the disaster you may not be able to find your pets or take them with you in the event of an evacuation. Our first priority is to save human lives and we may not be able to help your pets. It's possible you may not be able to return to your home for many days.

Prepare now to help your pets in a disaster

• Have a permanent disc on their collar with your name, phone number and address.
• Always have a carry box ready, identified with your name, address and phone number containing a blanket or towel.
• Keep a supply of tinned food for emergency use only.

If you have to leave your home immediately

• Go to your local state primary school (this is your emergency reporting centre) and tell the authorities about animals you have left behind (what and where).
• Do not return home (appointed Wardens and SPCA personnel will be on hand to do that).

Wherever possible in an evacuation, we'll consider having pets accompany their owners, but this may not always be possible.

If you have time:

• feed your pets before leaving – in cases of flooding your pet or caged birds could be placed in the roof space of your home with as much food and water left for them as is practical
• if possible, contact your local SPCA – advise them where your animals are and provide identification details.

Helping your pets in specific situations

There are some occasions during a disaster where you may be able to remain at home. Below is a guide to how to help your pets in these situations.

Storm:

• stay indoors with your pets
• keep away from windows and near the centre of the house if possible
• tether large animals.

Earthquake:

• if you and your pets are outside keep clear of buildings, tall structures and power lines inside, avoid windows, heavy furniture and fittings, and take cover under a solid table or internal doorway
• don't look for your pets until shaking ceases
• keep pets away from chemical spillage until you have had the opportunity to clean it up.

Volcanic eruption:

• during an eruption take your pets inside - do not go outside
• save water in your bath, basin, containers or cylinders.

Tsunami:

• if you live near the coast go with your pets to the nearest high ground after turning off power and gas.

Flooding:

• if it safe, head with your pets to the nearest high ground – if not, await rescue inside.

In any event, remember that your animal may be more adaptable and self sufficient than you think.