Green and White Simple Animal Welfare Natural Disaster Keynote Presentation

Caring for
Animals During
Natural Disasters
A guide for pet owners and rescue volunteers
In times of environmental
events like bushfires and
volcanic eruptions, it's
important to keep the safety
and welfare of animals.
More often than not, in the face of fear and
panic, owners and carers unintentionally leave
them behind.
PREPARE FOOD
AND WATER
Look for any food items left in your fridge
that may be fed to your pets or other
animals left without shelter.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR
FOOD SUPPLIES ARE
RUNNING LOW?
Contact your local animal shelter that may have food stored for times like
these.
Look for any food items left
in your fridge that may be
fed to your pets or other
animals left without
shelter.
COMFORT
DISTRESSED
ANIMALS
They can feel disoriented and frightened by
the chaos brought by natural disasters.
There are various ways to calm animals and
lessen their anxiety. You may try any of the
following methods.
HOW TO COMFORT
ANIMALS
Take away the stressor or remove them from
the environment causing them stress. If an
animal is out on the streets looking distressed
due to loud thunder, keep them in a shelter
with less noise.
Distract an animal from what's causing them anxiety.
Apart from placing an animal in a calm and quiet area, you
may also give them a toy or some food to divert their
attention.
HOW TO COMFORT
ANIMALS
Talk to them in a soothing manner and stay
closely by their side. Handle them with care
and gentleness especially when you can tell
they are feeling anxious and restless.
Note that they may feel disoriented too especially since
disaster can greatly affect their scent markers.
Take them to a veterinarian for proper medication when
things have calmed down. It's also important to check if
animals caught any illnesses during the disaster so they
can be treated properly.
PLACE ANIMALS
IN A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT
Apart from reducing noise pollution, it's highly important to provide a clean space for the animal
whether it's in your own home or an available location outdoors.
Have trash bags and paper towels ready at all times to
maintain the cleanliness of their space.
PREPARE A CARRIER
Having a crate or carrier is extremely helpful during dire times when you need to take
an animal with you.
OTHER ITEMS YOU MAY NEED
Make sure your pet is wearing a leash or
collar with a tag containing important
information like its name, breed, and your
contact details.
Bring your pet's medical records so
veterinarians know how to care for it in the
best possible way when it gets injured or
ill.
Know how to bring your animals with you and where to go.
Their evacuation is equally important as yours. If it's not safe
for you to stay behind, it's definitely not safe for them too.
PLAN YOUR
EVACUATION
Note that animals may not be allowed to enter some
evacuation centers except for service animals. Hence, the
importance of planning for their own logistics.
Talk to your local animal organizations also for the best
course of action. It is wise to know what your community is
up to in terms of mass evacuation of animals.
PREPARE
A FIRST AID KIT
Ask a veterinarian what items
you need to keep in this kit to better care for
animals affected by natural disasters. A kit may
contain bandage rolls, ointment, and medicines.
DO YOUR RESEARCH AND FOLLOW
INSTRUCTIONS FROM CONCERNED
AUTHORITIES
Seeking information on how to best care for different kinds of animals is a must.
Listen to the advice of animal organizations and provide assistance. This is especially
important after a huge calamities like wildfires or hurricanes where several animals
may be displaced and are in need of care.
VOLUNTEER
During natural disasters, plenty of groups assemble to care for animals that have been affected.
Help when you can and learn how to approach these animals in the best possible way.