Animal Evac New Zealand Trust

Formed in 2018, following the devastating Edgecumbe flood the year prior that saw over 1,000 animals left behind in need of rescue, Animal Evac New Zealand (Kararehe Whakawatea) is a charity comprised of volunteers including veterinary and disaster response professionals, to ensure the needs of animals are better served in future emergencies. Though there is a primary focus on companion animals, Animal Evac works to advocate for all animals that are vulnerable or affected by disasters. A national pool of trained Animal Evac volunteers has been established to provide surge capacity in support of regional animal welfare emergency response.

Purpose: Why Animal Evac ?

• To address the significant animal welfare emergency management capability gap

• To protect disaster affected animals in partnership with the community

• To provide local response to support animal evacuation, sheltering and reunification.

Mission: What we do

A. Promote animal-inclusive hazard mitigation, emergency preparedness and recovery

B. Develop and maintain a regional capability of animal emergency responders

C. Provide training and professional development in animal disaster management

D. Provide initial response to support to emergency services with the evacuation of animals and their temporary care

E. Operate an animal evacuation database available for partner organisations to access to promote real-time collaboration and information sharing during a disaster

F. Work with existing animal shelters for the ongoing care, reunification or rehoming of evacuated animals

G. Implement post-disaster community recovery projects for improving animal welfare and resilience to future events (i.e. microchipping, pet carrier, family emergency plans).

H. Advocate for accountable and capable animal emergency management arrangements.

Values: How we do it

• We are the leading voice for all animals affected by disaster

• We act to do the right thing for the animals in a disaster management context

• We develop local capacity to create animal inclusive community resilience

• We hold to account those with responsibilities to protect animals from disaster

• We inform our position and activities using best practice and scientific knowledge

• We do not advocate on non-disaster related animal welfare issues.