Civil Defence: ‘Pet’ Ready, ‘Pet’ Through

When a disaster strikes, are you ready to care for ALL your family members?
If where you are isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your animals.

• Tag
  Keep a collar and tag on your pet with your up to date phone number and/or address.
• Chip
  Microchipping is one of the best ways to ensure you can be contacted in the event you are separated from your pet. A microchip inserted into the skin can’t be lost or damaged the way a tag or collar can be. Ensure your pet’s microchip is registered on the local council and national (NZCAR) databases with your up to date contact information.
• Kit
  Create an animal emergency kit with essential items your pet will need that can be grabbed quickly if you need to evacuate.

Emergency Kit Essentials (per animal):

• Food – five days’ worth of non-perishable food
• Water – five days’ worth of water
• Medicines – any medications that your pets require
• Veterinary and vaccination records – in case you need to board your pet
• First aid kit – talk to your vet about what items they recommend
• Blankets, bedding and toys
• Sanitation – e.g. litter trays, disinfectant, gloves if required
• Carry crate/lead/harness/muzzle

NOTE: Keep the most essential, smaller items e.g. medications in a grab bag in case you need to leave quickly.

• Plan
  In case you aren’t home when an emergency occurs, ensure a family member, friend or neighbour knows to collect your pet along with their emergency kit. Have a pre-planned meeting place so that you know where to find them.
• Locate
  Know in advance where all your local veterinary clinics and animal shelters are in case you need to seek medical attention for your pet. Keep a contact list of these in your emergency kit. They are also the best places to start looking for your pet if they go missing.
• Shelter
  Establish in advance a list of safe, pet-friendly locations that you can evacuate to or board your pet at if you have to leave your home in the event of an emergency.