The role of animal welfare support agencies in emergencies
Many support agencies help the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in its responsible role. Collectively, we refer to them as a "subfunction group".
The agencies help provide for the needs of animals when their owners (or persons in charge) are not able to do so due to the emergency situation. During adverse events, MPI may contact support agencies to assist with:
- animal rescue and evacuation
- animal shelter
- food and water
- husbandry
- veterinary care
- any other essentials for all animals.
Terms of reference of the national animal welfare emergency management subfunction group [PDF, 298 KB]
Support agencies
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Provides direct support and coordination services to companion animal owners during an emergency.
Assists with evacuation, emergency shelter, and reunification of animals. Implements post-disaster community recovery projects to improve animal welfare and resilience to future events.
Helping You Help Animals (HUHA)
Provides assistance in alleviating animal suffering through the coordination of the provision of advice on feeding, relocation, or sheltering of animals during and after an emergency.
New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA)
Provides advice on where veterinary treatment and services can be obtained. Helps with the coordination of feeding, relocations, or sheltering of animals during an emergency. Coordinates veterinary personnel to assist in affected areas. Ensures rapid communication of relevant information to veterinary members and branches, especially to and from affected areas.
Provides direct support and coordination services to commercial livestock owners to assist in mitigating animal suffering as a result of an emergency.
Provides support services to companion animal owners to assist in mitigating animal suffering as a result of an emergency and returning animals to their owners.
Massey University Veterinary Emergency Response Team
Provides initial response to support emergency services with the evacuation of animals and their temporary care and performs in-field veterinary treatment and disaster assessments.
NZ Institute of Animal Management
Provides direct support and coordination services to companion animal owners to assist with the care, relocation, and housing of companion animals and other animals, in response to an emergency.
Who to contact
If you have questions about animal welfare emergency management:
- phone 0800 00 83 33
- email awem@mpi.govt.nz
