During floods, we try to make sure that people evacuate if there’s a need. But what about Cats stranded on rooftops, Dogs tied to gates, Carabaos shivering in submerged fields, or Birds unable to fly with their soaked feathers?
Climate change isn’t just drowning coastlines or turning roads into rivers. It’s also putting countless animal lives at risk. Sadly, in many cases, they’re left behind!
On July 21, 2025, as the habagat and tropical systems Crising, Dante, and Emong battered Metro Manila, places like Taft Avenue and España Boulevard were submerged for days. One devastating scene unfolded at Arranque Market in Sta. Cruz, Manila, a known marketplace for Cats, Dogs, Birds, and other small animals sold in tight cages: Many animals were left behind in basement stalls.
Locked in, caged, and unable to escape, they drowned. Silent. Forgotten.
FLOODS DON’T DISCRIMINATE, SO WHY SHOULD WE?
The Philippines is no stranger to floods. From Ondoy to Ulysses, from Paeng to Kristine, we’ve watched neighborhoods drown, rooftops disappear, and families wade through waist-deep water.
Here’s the real issue. Our current system’s rescue protocols, evacuation centers, and emergency funds are designed only for people. Not for the animals we love, depend on, and consider family. Not because we don’t care but because disaster plans still treat them like extras in a climate movie where only humans get a lifeboat.
We’re not here for that.
Hey, they’re not “just animals.” They’re your kuyog na Pusa, your bantay na Aso, your farmhands on four legs.
In many rural households, Goats, Chickens, Cattle, and Sheep aren’t just livelihood. They’re part of the daily grind, family dinners, and barkada chismis circles (okay, maybe just the chismis). And when floodwaters rise, they deserve safety, too.
The most painful part? These beings feel panic, pain, and confusion, just like us. But unlike us, they can’t call for help. They can’t open a gate. They can’t text, “Ligtas kami.”
Animals are sentient beings who feel pain, fear, and joy. They deserve to be included in disaster response.
IF YOU EVACUATE, SO DO THEY
“Don’t leave them behind,” urged PETA Asia in their July 22 advisory, reminding human guardians to bring their animal companions when evacuating.
The group also shared essential safety tips, emphasizing that animals should never be left behind during emergencies.
5 WAYS YOU CAN HELP
While the problem is big, our actions don’t have to be.
You don’t need to be a veterinarian or a rescuer to make a difference. Every student, parent, LGU official, or barangay volunteer can take part in making animal lives matter before, during, and after floods.
Here are five concrete, compassionate ways to help animals during (and before) climate emergencies. And yes, it’s paw-print approved.
CONDUCT SAFE, RESPONSIBLE RESCUE
Floodwaters can rise within minutes.
That’s why your animal companions, whether Cats, Dogs, Rabbits, or even Chickens, must be part of your disaster plan.
Disaster kit? Don’t forget the furry ones. Prepare a go-bag with food, medicine, leash or carrier, water, and vaccination records. Teach your Dog to enter a crate, and make sure your Cat is comfortable in a carrier.
For farm animals like Carabaos and Cattle, work with caretakers to practice relocation drills and identify elevated pastures or shelters.
ASSIST LOCAL ORGS AND SHELTERS
You don’t have to be in the flood zone to help. Animal welfare groups across the country rely on donations and volunteers, especially during climate disasters.
You can support organizations like the Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Animal Kingdom Foundation, CARA Welfare Philippines, and LGU-based shelters by donating money, food, or supplies.
Even offering social media help or transporting rescued animals to the vet can make a big impact.
WELCOME THEM INTO YOUR HOME
Got a dry spot? That’s a lifeline! Even a small dry corner with food and water can mean everything to a displaced Cat or Dog. You can foster rescued animals temporarily while their families recover or shelters look for adopters.
Start a group chat in your community to build a network of animal fosterers. Think of it as a kind of bayanihan for animals.
SUPPORT BETTER DISASTER PLANNING
Flood vulnerability isn’t just about weather. It’s about systems.
Many evacuation protocols don’t account for animals. Change that by speaking up. Ask your barangay officials to include animals in their evacuation SOPs. Push for disaster drills that include leashed Dogs, crated Cats, and even livestock plans. Support policies that strengthen the Animal Welfare Act and increase funding for LGU veterinarians.
When enough people care, policy follows.
SWITCH TO CLIMATE-FRIENDLY FOOD
Plot twist: what’s on your plate affects who ends up underwater!
Industrial animal agriculture is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution, which are factors that worsen climate change and lead to stronger, more frequent floods.
According to a study by Oxford University, not eating meat is the single biggest way you can reduce environmental footprint. For one, less meat means less deforestation for Cattle and dairy, which can help lessen flooding in vulnerable areas.
THE FLOOD IS OUR FAULT (MORE THAN YOU THINK)
According to the United Nations, our global food system is responsible for a third of greenhouse gas emissions – that’s more than the contribution of the aviation industry.
Oxford scientists agree. In a paper published this year titled “Oxford Open Climate Change,” experts wrote, “Up to a third of global greenhouse gas production to date can be attributed to animal agriculture.” Animal agriculture plays a massive role as it drives deforestation, pollutes waterways, consumes land and freshwater, and emits methane (a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide).
If you can’t give up all animal products just yet, you can go meatless once or twice a week. Your gut, the Earth, and the animals will thank you.
Filipino cuisine is full of budget-friendly, plant-based options like laing, ginataang munggo, tofu adobo, banana blossom patties, and pinakbet. It’s a quiet but powerful way to show care. (Check out our local vegan content creators for recipes!)
WHEN IS IT TIME TO RELOCATE?
Let’s talk hard truths. Some areas flood every year. If this pertains to you, it might be time to consider moving. Use the MEOWS test – yes, a paw-approved acronym!
MULTIPLE FLOODS
Does it always flood in your area each year? If you experience flooding more than once a year, even during moderate rainfall, that’s a red flag.
EMERGENCY RESCUES
If your household often depends on boats, neighbors, or barangay officials just to evacuate, it’s not sustainable.
ONGOING HARM TO ANIMALS
Have your Dogs, Cats, livestock, or other Animals gotten sick, trapped, or hurt during storms?
WORSENING INFRASTRUCTURE
Is your house, coop, or animal shelter showing signs of damage that you can’t afford to keep fixing?
SAFER ALTERNATIVES EXIST
If relocation programs, family land, or temporary housing options are available, they may be worth exploring, especially before the next typhoon season.
If you answer yes to any of these, it’s time to prepare.
Full relocation might not happen overnight, but planning ahead can prevent tragedy. If moving isn’t immediately possible, start with what you can control.
humans during the flood. (Philippine Coast Guard | Facebook)
FROM COMPASSION TO ACTION
In this climate crisis, we’re all on the frontlines, including the animals whose voices are often ignored. Climate change is the final boss. But if we protect animals, fight disinformation, and hold the line on empathy, we might just win.
Whether you’re a student, farmer, rescuer, or someone with a soft spot for strays, there’s always something you can do. Every leash packed, every animal fostered, every voice raised for their inclusion matters.
Floods may come, but so can kindness. Be the reason someone furred, feathered, or hooved makes it to safety.
