How to help animals during extreme weather disasters
As a heat wave descends on the western parts of the US this week, here are Species Unite’s recommended tips for caring for companion animals and wildlife during dangerous weather events.
As a dangerous and potentially record-breaking heat wave prepares to sweep across the central and eastern U.S. next week, the forecasted heat is expected to pose significant risks to people and animals.
"As we get to these first couple weeks of June, a lot of places are really starting to see those temperatures escalate," Todd Shoemake, of the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, told the Associated Press on Monday. "Southern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Arizona, they're starting to see lots of triple digits."
How can you help animals during these weather events?
As well as putting humans at risk, extreme heat and powerful storms can pose serious threats to animals and wildlife. Many species are highly vulnerable to sudden changes in temperature and extreme weather events. For instance, extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat stress, and even death for many animals, especially those that cannot find adequate shelter or water sources. Powerful storms, such as hurricanes and typhoons, can destroy habitats, displace wildlife populations, and cause injury or death to countless animals.
Here are some useful measures you can take to protect both your companion animals and the wildlife in your community:
Don’t leave dogs, cats, or other companion animals in a parked car:
Dogs, cats, and other animals can tragically - and quickly - die after being left in hot cars or outdoors during extreme heat. In 2023 alone, 163 animals suffered heat-related deaths, and another 855 were rescued from dangerous heat conditions - and these numbers only reflect the reported cases.
Even with a car's windows slightly open or if the vehicle is parked in the shade, animals can still quickly suffer from heatstroke. Within just minutes, the temperature inside a car can rise to dangerous levels, putting animals at severe risk of heatstroke, which can cause irreversible organ damage and be fatal in a very short time.
If you see an animal left inside a hot car:
Note the car’s color, model, make, and license plate number.
Ask nearby buildings or businesses to make an announcement or call local humane authorities or police.
Have someone stay with the dog.
Do not leave the scene until the dog is safe.
In certain states, it is legal to break into an unattended vehicle to save a trapped animal. We recommend learning more about your state’s laws to know your rights.
Most people don’t realize how dangerous it is to leave animals in hot cars - Species Unite has created this flier for you to print and share in your local community to help spread awareness.
Monitor your companion animal’s temperature:
Ensure your companion animal always has access to plenty of water and shade during extremely hot days. You can also help them stay cool by wrapping a towel soaked in cold water around them. If you notice any signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting or weakness, immediately take them to a veterinarian. In the meantime, keep them cool with ice packs and water.
Prepare for disasters:
One of the best ways to ensure your pets' safety during extreme weather disasters is to have a plan in place, allowing you to react quickly and effectively:
Ensure your companion animal is microchipped and wearing a collar with up-to-date contact information, such as your phone number and address. This will help you reunite with them much more quickly if they get lost.
Designate a trusted backup caretaker—such as a neighbor, friend, or family member—and provide them with a key to your home along with essential information about your companion animal, including their feeding schedule and any special medical requirements. This means that someone can always care for or evacuate your animals if you are unable to do so.
Identify a safe place, such as an animal-friendly hotel, where you can escape to with your animals during emergencies. Since many establishments do not allow animals, it's helpful to keep a list of those that do on hand.
Create a kit filled with food and water for at least five days for each animal, a first aid kit, medical records, and transportation cages if needed.
Don’t forget about wildlife:
It's not just humans who suffer during extreme weather events; the wildlife in your community is also likely to be impacted. To help, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator if you see an injured or struggling animal. You can also support wildlife by leaving shallow containers with drinking water and food sources, like birdseed, on your property before you evacuate.
You can also support organizations with disaster response teams for animals, such as International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and your local wildlife rescue group.
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