Your pets are family; they rely on you, especially in trying times.

With the persistent inclement weather the past week, pet owners are bound to protect their pets and ensure their safety and security just as much as they care for a family member.

The moment we decided to take them in, we were immediately sworn in to a lifetime duty of looking after them until they breathe their last. Pets might be unable to take care of themselves in times of distress.

As disasters can happen without warning, it is best for pet owners to always be prepared for the worst that could happen. Here are some useful tips:

1. Have an evacuation plan and emergency go-kit, complete with essential supplies, ready also for your pets. Make sure you know how and where to safely transport them if the need to evacuate arises.

2. In emergencies, everyday household items can be the quickest and most effective means of transport and protection. For instance, laundry baskets or basins can serve as makeshift carriers through floods.

3. Don’t leave them outside, especially during a storm. Pets, such as cats and dogs, tend to get scared with heavy rains and thunderstorms as it causes them fear and great anxiety.

4. Keep a leash or carrier with your pet’s name, your name and contact number near your door. These may come in handy in case there’s a need for immediate evacuation.

5. Should you find yourself the need to leave home, take your pets with you. They have less chance of surviving if left tied or locked up behind. If possible, practice evacuating them with your family so you’ll know what to do when the time comes.

6. Have your pet wear a collar or tag (containing your contact details) for easier identification if they get lost along the way.

7. Prepare an emergency pet kit. The bag should contain bottled water, a week’s worth of dog/cat food, pet food containers, leash, harness, plastic bags for dog poop, litter box, blankets, flashlight, medications, vaccination/veterinary records and first aid kit.

8. Locate a veterinary clinic where you can seek help if your pet falls ill. This should be close to the area you’re staying in.

9. If your family and pets decide to wait out the storm at home, it helps to identify an area within the house where you can stay together. Move harmful items like sharp objects and chemicals out of paws’ reach. Instead, keep close pet supplies and other emergency necessities.

10. Never leave them behind. Please, always take them with you to safety. If for any compelling reason you can’t take them with you, at least uncage and unchain them. Give them a chance to survive.

During its disaster relief operations, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has witnessed the heartbreaking aftermath: countless bodies of pets that tragically perished during times of crises. They never stood a chance as they were left chained or locked in cages, with no way to escape or get themselves to safety.

No animal deserves this fate. Pets are family, and they rely on you for their care and safety, especially because you chose to be responsible for them. Do not hesitate to protect them as they won’t hesitate to protect you, too.

Once the emergency is over, check your compound for any animals who may have sought refuge. As much as possible, look after them until there are owners and authorities where you can surrender them.

The streets have always been a dangerous place for animals, and it becomes even more so when harsh weather strikes. Please also extend a helping hand to homeless animals struggling through the storm. Offer them temporary shelter to shield them from the elements, offer clean food and fresh water in a safe space, and, if possible, help those who are injured or sick.