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.
 Look for any food items left

WHAT TO DO WHEN in your fridge that may be fed

to your pets or other animals

YOUR FOOD SUPPLIES

left without shelter.

ARE RUNNING LOW?

Contact your local animal shelter that may have food stored for times like these.
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 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
Talk to them in a soothing manner and stay closely
caught any illnesses during the disaster so they can be treated
by their side. Handle them with care and gentleness properly.
especially when you can tell they are feeling
anxious and restless.
 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 Bring your pet's medical records so
with a tag containing important information veterinarians know how to care for it in the best
like its name, breed, and your contact details. 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 Note that animals may not be allowed to enter some evacuation
centers except for service animals. Hence, the importance of

EVACUATION 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.