Note For Flooded Pet Owners

Evacuation of domestic dogs and cats from flooding (Special)

JAKARTA - Rain from Tuesday, December 31 to Wednesday, January 1 caused flooding in a number of places. So, what if you have a pet? We contacted Let's Adopt Indonesia! to share tips for keeping pets safe in the middle of a flood.

Carolina Fajar, founder of Let's Adopt Indonesia! said, the first step is pet owners like cats and dogs should not panic. The reason is, these two animals can tell if their owner is panicking.

"First, make sure we as animal owners don't panic so they don't panic too," said Carolina when contacted via text message, Wednesday, January 1.

Furthermore, dogs or cats that are kept outdoors or outside the house should be immediately brought inside and evacuated to a higher place in the house. For example, on the second or third floor of the owner's house.

Then, don't forget the dog or cat documents. "Documents such as vaccine books or maybe x-ray results or whatever, veterinarian contacts, microchip numbers, if indeed our animals have microchips, are put in one place and secured," he said.

Apart from evacuating animals and their documents, toys and cages and other utensils such as eating and drinking bowls must also be secured.

If you have evacuated the animal to a higher place and secured all pet supplies, the pet owner should also find another safe place to evacuate the animal if the situation becomes even more emergency.

"For example, it could be a daycare for animals or a friend or relative's house," he explained.

Carolina also reminded that owners of animals such as cats and dogs should not raise animals anywhere during the flood. The goal is so that they can move freely and don't panic.

Not only that, he also reminded not to let animals drink flood water. Because, if the animal consumes this water there could be side effects.

"Dirty flood water can be dangerous because it is mixed with waste liquid, oil, maybe other chemicals that we don't know what. So drinking from bottled water or clean water must be provided," he said.

If it is too late to evacuate the dog or cat to a safe place and the pet star is absurdly wet, then the owner must dry the animal's fur immediately. Because, if left wet and damp for a long time, pets can contract skin diseases such as fungi.

"If the flood has increased, don't wait and hope the flood will fall because it is risky. Immediately evacuate by bringing your dog and cat along with their equipment to a safer place," he concluded.