SPCA New Zealand

North Island flooding: What pet owners need to know

28 January 2023

As many North Island regions are currently facing flooding, the safety and well-being of our companion animals is a top priority. Here are some important tips and guidelines for pet owners to keep in mind during this difficult time.

North Island flooding: What pet owners need to know

During an emergency you need to make sure you and your family are safe; however, your animals are your responsibility too and this remains true even in the event of an emergency. Household plans should account for all members of the family and this includes your animals.

Take a look at this checklist to help you with planning for your animals during an emergency

If you need to evacuate you must take your pets with you. Remember if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for them.

Who to contact for help

In natural disasters like this, emergency responses involving displaced animals are coordinated by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). We are working closely with them to determine where we can help based on their direction.

Please contact MPI for emergency response support on: 0800 222 200

While our Centres and Op Shops in the Auckland region are closed to the public, so we can concentrate on immediate community need, we will be supporting requests on a case-by-case basis and do everything we can to provide appropriate advice and assistance.

If you are able to safely, make arrangements to stay with friends or family outside of your area or identify other animal friendly accommodation (e.g. pet friendly hotels, campgrounds, AirBnB) where you might stay.

Our Inspectors will be responding to urgent welfare concerns in Auckland only during this time.

In the event our SPCA phone lines are down due to power outage, you are able to email info@spca.nz.

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