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Animal welfare emergency management strategic plan

The national animal welfare emergency management (AWEM) strategic plan outlines our vision, mission, and goals for preserving and protecting animals in emergencies. To achieve this, individuals, organisations, and communities must be supported to:

  • manage risks and improve readiness
  • respond in emergencies to protect animals
  • help the animal welfare sector to recover after an event.

The plan also includes 12 key objectives and an overview of what success looks like for each.

National AWEM strategic plan 2020-2030 [PDF, 3.6 MB]

Regional animal welfare emergency management plans

The regional AWEM plans have been prepared by the Ministry for Primary Industries in collaboration with the regional Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) groups and animal welfare support agencies. Each plan documents the regional arrangements for coordinating animal welfare in emergencies from readiness, to response, to recovery.

These plans are relevant to the unique hazards, environments, and demographics of each region and its animals. Response arrangements for each region include plans for:

  • evacuation
  • temporary emergency shelter
  • provision of essentials such as food, water and veterinary care.

They should be read along with each region's current CDEM group welfare plan.

CDEM groups

CDEM groups and plans – National Emergency Management Agency

Who to contact

If you have questions about animal welfare emergency management:

MPI business units