Pets

Your pet emergency kit should include:

• pet food and treats, in cans or waterproof containers, a bowl and drinkable water in plastic bottles
• can opener for canned food
• pet medications and vet records in a waterproof container
• sturdy leashes, harnesses or carriers so you can move your pets safely
• current photos of your pet in case they get lost
• emergency contact information including your information, the details of your local vet and local council
• pet beds and toys, if there is room
• transport containers appropriate for your  animal.

Download Preparing pets for emergencies PDF (337.3 KB) quick reference guide.

If you need to leave your home due to a disaster or emergency, you should:

• move animals to a safe place early
• make sure they have access to plenty of food and water.

Emergency shelters do not allow pets. There are undercover carparks where you can shelter in your car with pets as long as they are properly restrained.

These carparks were built to code but are not designed as emergency shelters. Check the undercover carpark shelters map.

If you’re staying at home, secure your animals so they do not run away. Remember animal behaviour may change if they sense a threat or if they are frightened.

Leaving pets at home is not ideal and should be a last resort if you can't move them in advance.

If you can’t move your pets to a safe place:

• leave pets inside if the risk of flooding is considered low
• put pets in separate rooms with small or no windows
• provide adequate food and water in large, heavy bowls
• do not tie up your pets if leaving them outside.

If you can’t move your pets to a safe place and if you have to evacuate you should:

• ensure they are microchipped and have a collar with ID tag
• do not leave pets inside if flooding is a threat
• close but do not lock your doors, as recovery staff may need access to your pets after the weather event
• don’t tie animals outside or keep them in a vehicle unattended
• provide multiple bowls of water – don’t leave just one container as it may spill
• if flooding is a threat, leave your pet where it can access elevated areas that will allow it to stay out of water
• leave adequate amounts of dry food in undercover areas.

All pet and animal owners need to be aware of what their animals require in times of an emergency and plan accordingly. Pet owners have responsibility for the welfare, health and safety of their pet.