Flood resources: General advice

If you or someone you know has a missing animal, you can post a notice for free on New Zealand's largest lost and found pet network, LostPet.co.nz

It is also worth cross-posting the listing to local Facebook groups such as the Pets lost in Auckland Floods group. The SPCA recommends checking the ‘found’ listing and, if you don't see your pet listed, creating a ‘lost’ listing for them.

A free helpline has been set up for people in the Hawke's Bay who have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Call the helpline if you need to access any welfare services, including mental health, accommodation, ongoing food, household goods and services support, animal welfare and rural support.

• Phone: 0800 117 672

The number will operate from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and from 8am to 4.15pm on weekends.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is working with farm supply companies and veterinarians in Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti to ensure critical supplies can get to communities that have no road access.

Farmers with no road access to their farms can order necessary supplies from their usual farm goods suppliers and veterinarians and arrangements will be made to deliver them by air or Unimog.

Critical supplies are:

• water reticulation materials
• temporary boundary fencing materials
• animal health supplies and veterinary medicines.

This support is only available for farms with no road access for deliveries.

For more information, including how to place an order, see the below factsheets:

• Delivery of critical farm supplies to isolated communities in Hawke's Bay
• Delivery of critical farm supplies to isolated communities in Tairāwhiti

If your animal has been exposed to flood water, it is important to check them for the following signs:

• Deep wounds and/or bleeding heavily
• Difficulty breathing
• Unable to stand without assistance
• Unconscious or reduced levels of consciousness

For any emergencies, please call your veterinarian immediately. Not sure if it's an emergency? Check out our guide for finding out if your pet really needs that after-hours visit.

If your animal has been submerged, trapped or swimming in flood water, make sure you follow the steps below:

Check for signs of hypothermia

Signs of hypothermia include: 

• a rectal temperature of below 37º or a digital thermometer reading of L
• very cold limbs, with no shivering
• drowsy or dopey responses.

If you suspect hypothermia, move your animal to a dry area and cover it with blankets if possible. Call your local vet for advice.

Check their breathing

• Check for bubbles coming out of their nose or harsh sounds when they breathe. You may need to listen carefully to check, but remember to keep yourself safe.
• Monitor the animal's breathing rate closely. If their breathing rate is increasing, call your vet for advice.
• If you suspect your animal has inhaled water, call your vet immediately.

Clean your animal

Thoroughly clean all areas of the animal that have been in contact with flood water. 

• If your animal is showing any signs of hypothermia, warm them up first.
• Use clean water to rinse the animal's coat all the way to the skin. Animal-safe shampoos or soaps are OK to use.
• While cleaning the animal, look for any cuts or injuries.
• If your animal is injured or their skin looks infected, call your vet for advice.

Give your animal water and food

• Provide your animal with fresh, clean water and non-contaminated food
• They may be very tired from swimming or running during the flood. Giving them a warm, dry area with fresh water and food will help with their recovery.
• If your animal is not strong enough to eat or drink, please call your vet immediately.