How Can You SafeGuard Pets During Flood

Published by

Hena Osman

on

September 2, 2025

Floods put both humans and animals in extreme danger. Many pets, farm animals, and wildlife suffer because they cannot escape on their own. Here are some practical ways to save and protect animals during floods:

1. Before a Flood (Preparedness)

Create an emergency plan: Decide how you will evacuate with pets or livestock. Keep carriers, leashes, and transport cages ready.
Prepare a “Pet Emergency Kit”: Include food, clean water, medicines, vaccination records, blankets, and first-aid items.
Safe shelters: Find pet-friendly shelters, animal rescue centers, or safe high-ground areas where animals can be moved quickly.

2. During a Flood

Evacuate early: Don’t wait until water rises. Move pets and livestock to higher ground or safe shelters.
Use proper carriers: Cats in carriers, dogs on leashes, and small animals in cages—this prevents panic and escape.
Livestock management: Release farm animals into safer open areas if evacuation isn’t possible. This way, they have a chance to swim to higher ground.
Avoid leaving animals behind: They cannot survive rising waters locked in cages or tied up.

3. For Wildlife

Set up temporary rafts or platforms: Floating boards, makeshift rafts, or raised areas can give birds and small animals a place to rest.
Avoid disturbing them: Wildlife will seek higher ground; let them move naturally unless they are trapped.
Call rescue groups: Contact wildlife rescue teams if you spot stranded or injured wild animals.

4. After a Flood

Check for injuries & infections: Floodwater carries bacteria, parasites, and toxins. Vet care is crucial.
Clean shelter areas: Disinfect and dry places where rescued animals will stay.
Provide food and clean drinking water: Contaminated water can cause severe illness.
Reunite lost pets with families: Report found animals to shelters or social media groups.

5. How Communities Can Help

Volunteer with animal rescue teams.
Donate food, medicines, and cages to local shelters.
Raise awareness about including animals in disaster management plans.
Advocate for government and NGOs to establish animal-safe rescue shelters during floods.

Reminder: Animals depend entirely on us in disasters. Even small actions—like carrying a stray dog to higher ground or leaving out food for displaced animals can save lives.