How to not leave pets behind during typhoons
Amid the aftermath of the southwest monsoon or habagat and Typhoon Carina, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) reminded the public not to leave behind their pets during times of crisis.
In an Instagram post on July 24, PAWS shared photos of its disaster relief operations in 2020 when it tried to rescue abandoned animals, some of which were chained and caged.
"Let’s not let any more animals suffer the same fate," the organization said. "In times of crisis, please don't forget about your pets. Evacuate with them and assist your community in safely evacuating their pets too."
"If you absolutely can't take them with you for any compelling reason, PLEASE AT LEAST UNCHAIN THEM AND UNLOCK THEIR CAGES to give them a fighting chance to survive," it added.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (@pawsphilippines)
PAWS noted that pets shouldn't be left to "face the dangers and elements outside our homes," as they are "family and deserve just as much safety and security."
As the Carina-enhanced habagat raged, social media has been filled with photos and videos of flooding, as some cases engulfed a car and reached a house's roof. Some shots showed pets struggling, while others showed people rescuing their fur babies.
PAGASA said Typhoon Carina exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility at 6:20 a.m., Thursday, July 25.
But in its 5 a.m. bulletin, the state weather bureau said the southwest monsoon enhanced by Carina will bring moderate to intense rainfall over parts of western Luzon until Saturday, July 27.
How to help typhoon-affected animals
PAWS asked the public for donations through its websites www.every.org/pawsphilippines and https://donatetopaws.org.ph/.
It also shared its bank details:
- BPI (Swift no. BOPIPHMM) – PHP account number: 3943-0086-11; USD account number: 3944-0021-61
- BDO – 00764-800-5860
- PNB (Swift no. PNBM PHMM) – 1888-70015305
For checks, it asked donors to make it out to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Inc.
The organization also asked for in-kind donations like dog and cat food (canned or kibble), collapsible cages and crates, canned goods for humans, and rice.
The items can be dropped off at the PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center on Aurora Boulevard corner Katipunan Avenue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donors may reach out to them at 09177996835.
The Animal Kingdom Foundation Inc., meanwhile, asked BPI users who wish to donate to typhoon-affected animals to use the banking app.
It said they may go to the app, swipe up, and tap "BPI eDonate." From there, they may select and tap the logo of Animal Kingdom Foundation, input the amount and other information, enter their credentials, and verify with their one-time PIN to complete the donation.
What to do in times of disaster
Have a pet evacuation plan
PAWS advised pet owners to include their fur babies in their evacuation plans during times of disaster, noting they "depend entirely on us for their survival."
PAWSsion Project, meanwhile, asked owners to search in advance where their pets could stay temporarily, as shelters cannot just accommodate pets while rescues are being rehabilitated.
It told owners that they may stay in pet-friendly accommodations. They may also train their fur babies to be in carriers to avoid feeling uncomfortable during emergencies.
Prepare an emergency kit
PAWS asked the public to have their emergency go kit ready with essentials. They must also know how and where they can transport their pets.
PAWSsion Project recommended the following items:
- food supply
- pet first-aid kit that includes:
- eye drops solution
- topical burn/cut cream/wound spray
- week's worth of medicine
- dextrose powder
- immune boosters
- towels/plastic bags
- extra collar/leash
- water
- collapsible feeding/drinking bowl
- favorite toy
PAWSsion Project also reminded owners to keep a soft copy of their pet's vaccine and medical records.
PAWS said pet owners who lack crates or cages for transport must be resourceful by using everyday items like laundry baskets or basins as makeshift carriers.
Proper ID
PAWSsion Project reminded the public to ensure their pets are properly identified.
They are asked to keep an updated picture in their wallet or phone, attach an ID tag on their pet's leash with the latest contact details, and, if possible, put a microchip.
Abandonment only the last resort
PAWS pointed out that abandoning pets should only ever be the last resort.
If they cannot be evacuated, pets must be uncaged and unchained to give them a fighting chance of survival.