Cyclone Gabrielle - Information for animal owners

Cyclones are unpredictable weather events that can cause serious harm to both people and their animals. Here is some information for you to help you understand how best to keep your pets protected.

What to do now:

• Make a plan for your pets: Identify a safe place for your pets to stay during the storm, whether it's a designated room in your home or a trusted friend or family member's house. Make sure you have all necessary supplies, including food, water, bowls, a leash, and any medications your pet may need.
• Update identification tags: Ensure that your pets are wearing up-to-date identification tags with your current contact information. This will make it easier to reunite with your pet in the event they become lost.
• Make sure you have enough food, water, and any necessary medications for your pets.

If you need to evacuate your home:

• If you need to evacuate and can’t keep your pets with you, the Ministry of Primary Industries with animal charity HUHA have set up temporary animal shelters for companion animals. You can see a list of these below. Owners are unable to stay with their animals but can visit. To avoid travelling during the worst of the storm, owners are encouraged to bring their animals in early. Animals should arrive contained in a cage or on a lead, and owners can bring their animal’s bedding, food and toys to make the stay more comfortable.
• If your animal is still left in your house, please contact Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00 for assistance (via Ministry for Primary Industries).

During the Cyclone:

• Keep your pets indoors: It's important to keep your pets inside during the storm for their own safety. Make sure they have access to food, water, and a comfortable place to seek confinement and rest.
• Avoid using candles or open flames: Pets can easily knock over candles or start a fire, so it's best to avoid using them during a storm.

After the Cyclone:

• Check for injuries: Check your pets for any injuries and seek veterinary care if necessary.
• Keep your pets on a leash: If you need to take your pets outside, make sure they are on a leash to prevent them from running away or getting lost.
• Be cautious of unfamiliar surroundings: The storm may have caused changes to the environment, so be cautious of unfamiliar surroundings and make sure your pets are supervised at all times and do not let them run into flood waters.

Refer to www.spca.nz/pets-in-emergencies for more information.

All companion animals

The animal charity HUHA has established a temporary animal shelter for companion animals at:

743 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Ardmore 0274416474

It is now operational and ready to house animals only. Owners are unable to stay onsite, however can visit their animals. Owners are encouraged to bring their animals in early if they are concerned, to avoid travel during the storm. Animals should arrive contained in a cage or on a lead, and owners can bring items for their pet such as bedding, food and toys to make the stay more comfortable. Please no cars on the grass – use the gravel parking areas.

Dogs:

If you have a dog that requires temporary accommodation, there is space available at the following Auckland Council animal shelters:

Henderson Animal Shelter, 48 The Concourse, Henderson, Auckland. (ph 09 836 7777)

Silverdale Animal Shelter, 47 Tavern Road, Silverdale 0932. (ph 09 421 0222)

Manukau Animal Shelter, 33 Mclaughlins Road, Auckland 2104. (ph 09 261 8033)

Henderson Animal Shelter is also equipped to house companion animals, including cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. There will be no cost for this.

Please do not be concerned if your dog is not microchipped or registered. Auckland Council is offering free microchipping and registration of all dogs and microchipping of small animals affected by this flood response. You will not be fined if your dog is not registered.

If you are requiring temporary housing which can take your pets, please ensure you mention this when discussing your requirements with Civil Defence.

Some temporary accommodation facilities such as hotels/motels will accept pets if they are able to be contained or crated.

Community hubs:

Animal care packages containing food and supplies are available to pet owners in need at the following community hubs.

Locations of community hubs: https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.org.nz/flood-event-2023/civil-defence-centres-community-hubs-and-shelter-sites

Civil Defence Centres:

People impacted by the weather event with their pets can take their pets to CDCs if you are going to stay there. Bring with you any essential items you may need, eg. medication, special food. Dogs must be on a leash and if possible, muzzled. Cats and other companion animals should be contained

Locations can be found at https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.org.nz/flood-event-2023/civil-defence-centres-community-hubs-and-shelter-sites