Parañaque pushes animal evacuation checklist after pet rescue
Photo from Paranaque PIO
Following the rescue of around 50 dogs and cats during a fire incident on May 7, the Parañaque City government is reminding pet owners and animal caregivers to include animals in their disaster preparedness and evacuation plans.
Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez stressed that pets are also vulnerable during emergencies such as fires, floods, earthquakes, and other calamities, emphasizing that no animal should ever be left behind during evacuations.
Olivarez said that as part of the city’s campaign on responsible pet ownership and animal safety, the local government released an “Animal Evacuation Checklist”.
The checklist reminds pet owners to keep their animals properly identified through collars, name tags, or microchips to make it easier to reunite pets with their owners if they become separated during a disaster.
Residents are also encouraged to prepare a “Pet Go Bag” containing essential items such as food, water, medicines, vaccination records, leash, carrier, and other necessities that may be needed during evacuation.
The city government likewise advised residents to evacuate early whenever possible to avoid panic and ensure that both people and animals can be brought to safety.
The appeal came after responders successfully rescued about 50 pets, mostly dogs and cats, during a fire incident on May 7.
The incident highlighted the importance of including animals in emergency response and disaster preparedness efforts.
The city government also urged the public to remain vigilant and responsible, stressing that preparedness can help save both human and animal lives during emergencies.