Celebrity Life

How to keep your pet safe during a typhoon

By Aedrianne Acar

Published On: November 16, 2020, 07:44 PM

Updated On: November 16, 2020, 08:17 PM

No one should be left behind during a disaster--including your precious pets.

The people of Luzon are still reeling from the effects of Typhoon Ulysses (international name: Vamco) that ravaged many areas in the island, like the city of Marikina, and the provinces of Rizal and Cagayan.

These areas did not expect the torrential rains brought by the typhoon, which led to extremely high floodwaters, destroying livelihood and properties.

In a GMA News Online report, preliminary data shows that the typhoon has affected more than 1.1 million people. And based on estimates by the Department of Agriculture, the damage to the agriculture sector could reach nearly P1B.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways stated that losses, in terms of infrastructure damage, amounts to at least P4.25B.

But what's more heartbreaking are the lives lost. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the death toll is at 69, as of writing.

Many animals have also perished because of the typhoon, from farm animals to pets. A lot of Filipinos were caught off guard by the destruction of the typhoon, losing personal properties and beloved pets.

What are the things we can learn from this in terms of taking care of our pets?

Here are some tips pet owners can follow to keep furbabies safe even during a disaster.

Plan ahead

We heard it many times before, prevention is better than cure. So, plan ahead when you know that there is an incoming typhoon that will hit your area.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you need to devise a concrete plan where you and your pet will stay in case you need to evacuate your home.

One suggestion is you can contact a veterinary clinic or animal hospital that can take your pets in and temporarily care for them.

Pet emergency kit

Prior to a typhoon, aside from having your own emergency kit, prepare a separate kit for your cats or dogs.

You can consult your local vet what essential items must be prioritized for your pet emergency kit. Of course, it must have food and water.

Other items that you can put in it are: a sturdy leash, medication, medical records of your pets, and plastic bags for picking up poop.

Pet ID

In an article posted on CNN Philippines's website, Ashley Fruno, director of animal assistance programs of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia, advised pet owners to give their animals an identification card or ID, just in case they get lost.

The pet ID must contain basic information like the pet owner's name, home address, and contact information.

Unchain them please!

And if you are unable to evacuate before the typhoon hits your area, please follow the advice of Carla Abellana to unchain or free your pets.

She posted on Instagram, "IF YOU CAN'T EVACUATE WITH THEM, PLEASE UNCHAIN THEM. Please unchain your dogs and unlock their cages if you cannot evacuate with them during times of emergencies or disaster.”

We hope that this information will help you in the future--for your pets' safety.