Emergency planning for pets is an important part of emergency household preparations and greatly increases 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. By following this checklist you can help to ensure that you and your pets are well prepared.

EMERGENCY CHECKLIST

Prepare

• Ensure your pet cat or dog is registered, microchipped and has an identification tag and that contact details are up-to-date on the microchip register.
• Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date
• 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 to 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.

Emergency kit

• Registration or licence papers
• Vaccination certificates
• Cages, pet carriers, van, horse float: 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 
• For cats - litter and tray
• Poo bags
• Collars, leads, harnesses, saddles etc
• Food and water and bowls
• Medications
• Blankets, bedding, nesting material
• Toys
• Photograph of your pets - place in plastic bags
• Contact details for your vet, local RSPCA, council and alternative animal accommodation

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.

Stay informed

Being aware of your situation allows you to make informed decisions about your safety and the safety of your pets and family and greatly increases the likelihood of you evacuating safely

The following links will take you to your State or Territory government emergency contacts:

ACT - www.emergencyinformation.act.gov.au

VIC - www.safety.vic.gov.au

QLD - www.disaster.qld.gov.au

NSW - www.emergency.nsw.gov.au

TAS - www.dpem.tas.gov.au

SA - www.sa.gov.au

WA - wa.gov.au/governmentservices/communitysafety/policeemergency/

NT - www.pfes.nt.gov.au

If you do not have internet access - local radio, television and telephone hotlines are widely available sources of information during an emergency situation.