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Keeping animals safe during floods

Being prepared for flooding will help you get your animals to safety more easily. Below, you'll find advice on what to do to prepare for floods and how to help keep your animals safe.

Make sure that any animals that do get wet are dried up quickly, with towels for example. This is especially important in colder weather and for young, old, pregnant and sick animals.

RSPCA rescue officers leading three horses to safety from rising flood water.

Stay updated about floods

If storms are predicted to bring heavy rain and gales to the UK, please keep an eye on the weather forecast in your area.

You can call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for information and flood warnings 24/7.

You can sign up for free flood warnings from the Met Office straight to your mobile, home phone or email. 

You can check for flood warnings at:

RSPCA rescue officer leading a horse away from a flood.
Picture shows Inspector Dale Grant leading a grey pony from the water.

Emergency support

If animals are stranded or in danger, don’t try to rescue them yourself. 

Stay safe and call:

  • RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 between 8am and 6pm or
  • Fire and Rescue Service on 999

In an emergency contact the police on 999.In an emergency contact the police on 999.

Before it floods: be prepared

  • plan your escape route in case of an emergency
  • make sure you can be contacted in an emergency
  • keep phone numbers of people who can help you move your animals
  • make sure you have suitable carriers and any other equipment you might need to transport your animals
  • keep a supply of food for you and your animals in case of evacuation
  • for livestock and horses, fit any extra gates you would need for emergency access, and attach your details to all field gates
  • move animals to areas that are at low risk of being affected by the flood, e.g. high ground, stables, barns, temporary accommodation etc.

Have an emergency flood plan in place so you're ready to act if the worst happens.

If a flood is predicted: take action

Floodwater can rise rapidly. If there's a flood warning, don't just hope for the best – act early.

Pets

  • bring all small animals inside and, if possible, move them upstairs
  • move food, bedding and fresh water somewhere dry
  • keep favourite toys dry, as these may comfort your pet
  • seal up important documents such as microchip numbers, vets and vaccination details in a watertight bag, along with a photo of your pet in case they get lost

Livestock and horses

  • move animals to high ground. Do this in good time
  • leave them food and water. Make sure you have emergency feed and fresh water supplies available

If floodwaters start to rise, act quickly

Once flooding starts, put your emergency flood plan into action. But stay safe: never put your own or someone else’s life in danger.

Pets

  • bring all small animals inside and, if possible, move them upstairs
  • move food, bedding and fresh water somewhere dry
  • keep favourite toys dry, as these may comfort your pet
  • seal up important documents such as microchip numbers, vets and vaccination details in a watertight bag, along with a photo of your pet in case they get lost

Livestock and horses

  • if you haven’t already and it is safe for you to do so, move animals to areas which are at low risk of being affected by the flood e.g. high ground, stables, barns, temporary accommodation, etc. Give them food and water, if you have it

Together we can help rescue animals from flooding.

Our Animal Rescue Teams will be ready to deal with animals in need during the adverse weather. Support their hard and dedicated work today by donating.

A thank you from the flood rescue team!

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