Planning for pets during a natural disaster

Australia has a unique natural habitat which pets and their owners often enjoy. Increasingly, pet owners need to be vigilant about the dangers occurring from natural disasters which could affect their pets – and prepare accordingly.

Pet emergencies can be activated by bushfires, floods, serious road trauma or other situations that require evacuation, so having a plan is an essential part of ensuring you’re prepared. Your plan should include the ability to provide fresh drinking water and enough pet food to last for a few days until you are able to return to your home or other accommodation where you can purchase more of your pet’s usual food.

The following websites provide information to assist you in developing an emergency plan:

National – RSPCA Emergency Planning https://rspcavic.org/services/emergency-assistance/emergency-planning/

VIC – Pets and bushfires https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/pets-and-bushfires

Pets in an emergency http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/emergencies/pets-in-emergencies

QLD – Pet emergency plan https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/dealing-disasters/prepare-for-disasters/prepare-pets

SA – Keeping pets safe in an emergency https://www.ses.sa.gov.au/site/community_safety/how_to_keep_your_pets_safe_in_an_emergency.jsp

NSW – Fire safety for your pets https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/9429/Fire-Safety-for-your-Pets-Factsheet.pdf

WA – Pets and other animals https://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/safetyinformation/animalwelfare/Pages/petsandotheranimals.aspx

In sustained disasters such as the 2019 / 2020 bushfires, relief agencies offered emergency pet food and supplies to people in need, which were provided by several of the PFIAA’s members. Knowing which agencies provide products may also form a useful part of the emergency plan for your pet.