A member of the Emergency Social Services teams from each of the 13 core municipalities of Greater Victoria was invited to participate as part of the newly formed team whose mandate was initially to produce a brochure that all 13 communities could use to inform the public about Emergency Preparedness for pets. As this work was proceeding the team discussed if they wished to expand their mandate an
d as a result, the formal South Island Pets Team was fully founded. Our new mandate is to support an Emergency Social Services activation to which owners bring their pets and require shelter. We are a regional team and fundraise to allow our team to be a mobile unit that can respond to any of the municipalities who have a disaster or emergency evacuation of its residents with pets and need a safe haven for themselves and their pets. Our pets are often considered to be family members. We should ensure that our pets are adequately looked after in an emergency or disaster. Inform yourself about community resources such as vets, pet hospitals, pet-friendly hotels, and designated emergency evacuation centres. Having this information available prior to a disaster will lessen the stress on you and your pet. Additionally, it is vitally important to have emergency supplies prepared for you and your pet so you can evacuate quickly when necessary.
