Animal Welfare During Emergencies

If you have a pet at home or manage animals in a commercial setting, you are responsible for their welfare at all times. If an emergency were to happen, whether a fire or gas leak, you may be required to evacuate your home or business. This could be for a few hours or much longer. During these times it is important to make sure you have a contingency plan for the care of your animals and pets. 

Making arrangements for your pet

If you're evacuated in an emergency, it's up to you as an owner to make arrangements for your pets.

One way to make sure your pet stays safe is to agree with friends or family in advance that you will take in each other's pets in an emergency. If this isn't possible or if there is advanced warning of an emergency, try to place your pets somewhere safe such as a local cattery or boarding kennel - local animal charities may be able to help.

It's a good idea to put together a 'pet emergency kit' in case you need to evacuate from your home. 

This should contain: 

• carrier, litter tray and litter, poo bags
• tinned or dried food, including bowls
• lead, collar and identity tag
• any medication your pet needs
• a photograph of your pet for identification purposes - perhaps put a photograph in your purse or wallet now so it is ready when you need it

If you're unable to get your pet to somewhere safe, please contact the council and we'll try to help you find suitable accommodation for them.

The National Animal Welfare Trust have developed a My Pet During Emergencies Form for you to fill in and print off to help in emergencies

If you are evacuated to a reception centre, your pets may not be allowed in. Please be prepared for the weather conditions and to look after them outside until solutions can be put in place.
 

Larger animals and livestock

It's very difficult to evacuate large animals with little notice, so having a plan is vital in case of an emergency.

Some things to keep in mind when creating a plan:

• aim to evacuate animals as soon as possible to a safe place outside of the immediate area
• arrange your evacuation route in advance and work out an alternative route just in case
• set up safe transportation - make sure that you have available trucks, trailers, or other vehicles suitable for transporting farm animals
• arrange to have experienced animal handlers and drivers to transport them
• take your supplies with you
• have, or be able to readily obtain, food, water, veterinary care, handling equipment and generators if necessary

Disease outbreaks

In an animal disease outbreak, controls are placed over the movement of certain livestock to reduce the spread of disease and to make sure we can trace the root of the outbreak.

If you are unable to move your livestock or outdoor pets, inform the authorities so they are aware and ensure they are as far from danger as possible. Arrange for shelter and food to last several days.