Protect your pet in a disaster. Don’t put your pet at risk. Make a disaster plan now.

Disasters can strike at any time and without warning. If disaster were to strike today, would you have a plan to save you and your animals?

Animates along with World Animal Protection is urging all New Zealand pet owners to plan for their pets in a disaster now; with the free online resource: World Animal Protection.

By visiting the website, pet owners can download their free Disaster Planning Pack, with simple and practical advice to help them plan for their pet - whether they have dogs, cats, small animals (rats, mice and guinea pigs), rabbits, fish, birds, horses or Assistance/Guide Dogs.

For more than 50 years World Animal Protection has been protecting animals from disasters. Whilst working with communities, individuals and governments around the world to help their animals, the organisation’s full-time disaster management team has seen many people put themselves at risk by refusing to evacuate without their animals, as they have no disaster plan. Disaster plans for animals can therefore save not only the lives of animals, but also the lives of pet owners (and rescue teams alike!)

“Pets are part of our family in New Zealand, just like animals are part of families and communities around the world. That’s why it’s so important to make a plan to protect your pet. Disasters can and do happen in New Zealand, but with a pet plan you will know what to do; saving time and saving the life of your entire family,” says the New Zealand Communications Manager at World Animal Protection.

“Pet owners in New Zealand have a legal responsibility to keep their animals safe in a disaster. World Animal Protection helps you to do just that. Please prepare for you and your pet in a disaster now and ensure your family is protected,” she concludes.