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  • Hornby Veterinary Centre
  • 7 Tower street,
  • Hornby,
  • 155,
  • Phone: 03-349-5311

Are you Pet Ready - Protecting animals in emergencies

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If an emergency happened today, do you have a plan in place to save yourself, your family and your animals? Learn how to prepare to ensure the welfare of your animals during a disaster, such as an earthquake or flood.

Your animals are your responsibility. You need to include them in your emergency planning and preparation. Failing to plan for them in case a disaster happens (such as an earthquake or flood) puts lives at risk.

Prepare your plan

Prepare an emergency plan that covers the major disasters that could affect your family and animals. Discuss your plan, record it, and practice it with your family or household. Keep your plan somewhere prominent, like on the fridge or by the front door.

Attach a permanent disc to your pet’s collar that clearly states your phone number, name and address.

Microchip your pets.

Ensure you have a carry box, towel or blanket, emergency food, a lead and muzzle as part of your pet’s emergency getaway kit. Put your name, phone number and address on the box.

In the event of an evacuation take your pets with you if you can safely do so. Take their vaccination records and essential medications with you as this will help your pet be re-housed if necessary.

Welfare or evacuation centres generally will not accept pets except for service animals such as guide dogs. Some communities have established sheltering options for pets.

Make in-case-of-evacuation arrangements with friends or relatives outside your neighbourhood or area.

Keep a list of “pet-friendly” hotels and motels and their contact details in case you must evacuate your home or neighbourhood.

If you have domestic animals (such as horses, pigs or poultry) or livestock, know which paddocks are safe to move livestock away from floodwaters, landslides and power lines. In the event of an evacuation, ensure you have a plan in place so that they will be secure and have food, water and shelter. The responsibility for animal welfare remains with the owner.

Check with your council about local arrangements for assisting with domestic animal issues.

For information on preparing for your own safety check out https://getthru.govt.nz/

© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on Feb 9, 2021.