How to Protect Your Pet During a Natural Disaster
Listen to the story
Pets can become very frightened during a natural disaster, such as an earthquake. Dogs and cats often hide when the ground starts to shake, and this behaviour can make it harder for owners to keep them safe.
To help with this problem, authorities have shared three key tips for protecting pets during an emergency. The advice is meant to help owners avoid losing their animals and to keep them calm and secure.
One important step is for owners to plan ahead. Knowing what to do before a disaster happens can save time and reduce stress for both people and pets. Owners are also encouraged to learn their pet's usual hiding spots, since this can make it easier to find the animal quickly after an earthquake.
Authorities note that companion animals can become disoriented or panicked during a sudden event like a tremor. This is why having a clear plan matters so much. A calm, prepared response can prevent pets from running away or getting hurt.
For many families, pets are considered part of the household, and protecting them is treated with the same seriousness as protecting people. These new recommendations aim to give pet owners simple, practical steps they can follow when an emergency happens, helping to keep both pets and their owners safer during difficult situations.
Vocabulary10 words
- natural disaster
- a very bad event caused by nature, like an earthquake
- earthquake
- a sudden strong shaking of the ground
- emergency
- a sudden serious situation that needs fast action
- companion animals
- pets that live with people, like dogs and cats
- tremor
- a small shaking movement of the ground
- disoriented
- confused about where you are
- authorities
- official people or groups with power to make decisions
- behaviour
- the way a person or animal acts
- prepared
- ready for something before it happens
- recommendations
- helpful pieces of advice
Quiz
Answer key
1. They hide 2. It can save time and reduce stress 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Pets can become very _____ during a natural disaster, such as an earthquake. Dogs and cats often _____ when the ground starts to shake, and this behaviour can make it harder for owners to keep them safe.
To help with this problem, authorities have shared three key _____ for protecting pets during an emergency. The advice is meant to help owners avoid losing their animals and to keep them calm and _____.
One important step is for owners to _____ ahead. Knowing what to do before a disaster happens can save time and reduce stress for both people and pets. Owners are also encouraged to learn their pet's usual hiding _____.
Authorities note that companion animals can become _____ or panicked during a sudden event like a tremor. This is why having a clear plan matters so much.
For many families, pets are considered part of the _____, and protecting them is treated with the same seriousness as protecting people.