Pets and Emergencies

Emergency planning for pets is an important part of household preparations in case of emergency, and can greatly increase the likelihood of evacuating your pets to safety. There are many things pet owners can do to be prepared in the event of emergencies such as floods, cyclones or bushfires.

Ensure your pet cat or dog is registered, micro chipped and has an identification tag and that contact details are up-to-date on the microchip register. Make sure your pet wears at least two forms of current identification. You may want to consider a microchip implant, combined with tags on a collar. Also, keep the information current if you have registered with any lost and found databases.

Check to make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date. Keep an extra copy of your pet's health information in your pet disaster/emergency kit and ensure you have a supply of animal medications if needed.

Research and identify temporary accommodation options for your pets.

Determine where your animal(s) will be relocated if evacuated. Keep in mind that the place may have specific requirements e.g. boarding facilities often require that animals are up-to-date with vaccinations.

Late evacuation can be dangerous. To avoid unnecessary risks to you and your pets, move animals to a safer place a soon as possible.

Be sure to place permanent, waterproof "Pets Inside" stickers on your front and back doors or windows to alert emergency workers that pets are in your home. If possible, list the number and types of animals in your household. Should you be unable to go home to retrieve your pets during a disaster, this sticker could help rescue workers find your pets in your house.

Animals should never be abandoned unless it is absolutely impossible to evacuate them. If you are forced to leave your animals behind, be sure to leave them plenty of food and water. If possible, consider evacuating your animals before the danger arises.        

Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit Checklist    

Food         One-to-two-week supply of the dry or canned food your pet usually eats. (While stored, make sure to replace the food according to expiration dates.) Also include a spoon, food dish and, if you use canned foods, a can opener. Record your pet's eating habits (amount and times) as well as any allergies your pet may have and keep the record with the other paperwork in this kit. Store the food in a waterproof and protective bag or case

Water       One-to-two-week supply in plastic containers. (Make sure to replace stored water regularly to ensure freshness.) Include a collapsible or travel water bowl that is easy to store

Cleanliness  One-to-two-week supply of kitty-litter or poo-bags, plus a small, plastic litter box and litter scoop. Materials to clean the stall, crates, litter boxes, fish bowls.

Paperwork     Registration or license papers

Photographs          In case you need to distribute pictures if your pet gets lost

Vaccine Records/Medical History         Copies of important veterinary documents, such as vaccination records, medical history, medical conditions, records of important test results

Veterinary Information            Write down the name, address and phone number of your vet and an alternate vet. Write out a release statement, authorizing medical treatments for your pets. Write down your pet insurance policy number, if you have one

Contact details For your vet, local RSPCA, council and alternative animal accommodation

Proof of Ownership Copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, microchip, tattoo or other identification information

Identification Tags If possible, have the ability to write your temporary location or contact information on the tags

Photograph of your pets          Place in plastic bags

Medication   List each pet separately and include dose and frequency for each medication. Keep a one-to-two week reserve supply, with directions on how to administer. If possible, keep the medication in the original jar or bottle that it came in. Replace according to expiration dates. Don't forget reserve doses of flea and tick and heart-worm preventatives

Spare or Extra Collars, Harnesses, or Leashes       Collars, leads, harnesses, saddles etc

Bedding or Pet Blanket/s    

Grooming Supplies and toys

Animal Crates/Carriers/Cages/Van/Horse float     Label with your contact information; make sure the animal has room to move around, and it is safe for the pet (latches and bolts should be secure); these need to be available and functional in the case of evacuation; Ensure your pets are trained to enter and spend time in the crate/carrier

           

Pet First Aid Kit

This is for a basic pet first-aid kit, including, but not limited to:

Sterile gauze pads (3" x 3" and 2" X 2")	Eyewash
Gauze bandage rolls (1" and 2")	Eyedropper
First aid adhesive tape, 1" roll	Digital or rectal thermometer in a plastic case
Cotton swabs	Leather work gloves (to protect you from being bitten)
Tweezers	Latex gloves
Scissors	Leash
Plastic freezer/sandwich bags	Thin rope
Antibacterial ointment	Splint materials (tongue depressor, 12-inch wooden ruler or thick magazine)
Antiseptic cleansing wipes

Place the contents in a plastic storage box, tackle box or coffee can with lid.