Preparing your pets

Preparing your pets

Take time to prepare your pet's emergency plan to ensure its safety before, during and after a disaster.

Pet emergency kit

Ensure your pet emergency kit is easy to access and includes the relevant items below:

• pet medications for 2 weeks, medical and vaccination records and veterinarian details
• food, treats and water (e.g. bottled) for 2 weeks
• a familiar blanket or bedding, toys and grooming equipment
• a secure pet carrier, leash or harness to move animals to safety
• newspaper, paper towels, disinfectant, rubbish bags for your pets’ sanitary needs
• a covered bird cage
• up-to-date identification tags
• a current photograph for identification purposes.

Prepare your pet emergency plan

In an emergency

Emergency shelters can not accept pets for hygiene and safety reasons. Take the following precautions to ensure your pets stay safe in an emergency:

• secure animals inside or board them away from the emergency zone when the emergency warning is issued
• use a secure pet carrier, leash or harness to move animals safely
• ensure pets are easily identified with a microchip and secure tag detailing name, contact numbers and current address
• carry a current photograph of your pet
• if you have temporary housing for your pet, ensure their medical records, food, water, medicine, blanket and other supplies go with them.

Leaving your pet at home

If your only option is to leave your pet at home in an emergency, take the following the precautions:

• confine your pet in a safe area inside with small windows
• remove potential hazards from the space
• do not leave your pet chained outside
• never leave an animal outside without shelter, food and clean water and bedding
• provide toilet litter and bedding for each animal
• in case of flooding, position a heavy chair or crate to allow access to a higher refuge such as benches, vanity units or shelves
• leave a visible note or sign outside detailing what pets are inside, where they are, and how you can be contacted
• provide details of your vet.

Trained guide dogs

Trained guide dogs for the blind, hearing impaired or handicapped can, in most cases, stay with their owners in emergency shelters. Check with your local emergency management officials for more information.

After an emergency

Your pet's behaviour can change after an emergency. In the days following the event:

• Leash your pets when they go outside and keep close contact—at first, your pet might not recognise their surroundings
• Monitor their behaviour closely—pets can become defensive and aggressive after a stressful event
• Be aware of potentially dangerous animals that may have entered the area during the emergency
• Check that your yard is secure and safe
• If your pet is missing, contact your local RSPCA, pound and animal shelters.

For more information visit Emergency Management Queensland.