Keeping your animals safe during Storm Ciarán - Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare

At Raystede, we have been preparing for Storm Ciarán and making sure all our animals are protected from the high winds and rain.

They are all under cover, with plenty of food and warmth and our animal care teams are braving the weather to come in and care for them and ensure that they are as stress-free as possible. Our Estates Team have made sure all buildings, fixtures and fittings are secure across our 43 acre site. Raystede is closed to visitors for the day of the storm, Thursday 2 November.

Matt Gough, Head of Animal Welfare at Raystede, says, “The safety of our animals, staff and volunteers are first and foremost in our minds. We are fortunate that we have an excellent team and plans in place for situations like this and have done everything we can to weather the storm. Here are a few tips to help you make sure your animals – and you - stay safe:

• Make sure you're stocked up on food, water and medicine.

• Make sure your cats can get into your home so they can stay dry and avoid the elements.

• Avoid dangerous locations when you take your dog for a walk and check the forecast for any weather warnings ahead of your walk. Wear reflective clothing.

• Wrap your dog up in a warm coat if it is elderly or sick.

• Create a warm, relaxing space for your pets — they may get scared in a storm.

• Give outdoor pets, like rabbits, extra bedding and make sure poultry, like chickens and ducks, have safe, dry shelter.