From Hawaii to Tonga, the impacts of volcanic eruption can be devastating to animals. We have prepared this short list of resources to help those affected by volcanic ashfall as well for communities who live with volcanic risk.

Resources

The below are some free useful resources around preparing for and recovering from volcanic ashfall:

USGS Volcanic ash impacts on agriculture website

International Volcanic Health Hazard Network: Before, during and after ashfall booklet.

International Volcanic Health Hazard Network: Public health booklet

Tips for keeping pets safe

Before an eruption

• Ensure you have a family emergency plan that includes your animals
• Ensure all your pets are microchipped
• If you pet has as collar, ensure it has identification tag with a mobile phone number on it (not your residential land line as you may not be able to get home in an emergency)
• Ensure you have several photos of your pet, particularly of the face for facial recognition databases.
• Save animal records (veterinary, vaccinations, insurance, photos etc) to cloud storage/email
• Have a pet evacuation kit
  • pet carrier/crate for each animal
  • Ensure each dog has a muzzle available so they can be handled by officials
  • Vaccination/de-worming records
  • Food and water
  • Leash for each dog
  • brushes
  • Saline
  • Familiar toy/blanket
  • Sanitation supplies (cleaner, wipes, poo bags, kitty litter etc)

If an eruption is possible

• Bring your pets indoors and prepare for evacuation
  • toilet cats inside so you can easily find them in case of evacuation
  • ensure you have suitable transportation available and ready
• Ensure you are subscribed to local warning systems
• Monitor the news for updates
• Confirm alternative pet friendly accommodation for your family
  • this could be with other family or pet friendly hotels etc
• Consider evacuating early – evacuating with animals can be time consuming

If an eruption is imminent or in progress

• Keep your animals out of low lying areas (where toxic volcanic gases can accumulate)
• Pet jackets may be useful to minimising contamination from volcanic ash
• Always ensure your pets are not loose inside a vehicle when evacuating
• Ensure water given is not contaminated by ash
• If you animals become contaminated by volcanic ash
  • contact your veterinarian for advice
  • brush off excess ash outside (under shelter)
  • check eyes for contamination, flush with water/saline if needed
  • place ash and other contaminated waste into sealed plastic bag
• If your animal starts to have difficulties breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.
• Evacuate early and if you think you need assistance, ask for this as early as possible