For many Australians, The last couple of years have made it evident how vital it is to have a plan in place for a disaster or emergency. It is crucial to have a contingency plan for an emergency with our animals as companions. Our pets depend on us 100%. Therefore, it is essential to prepare for them in order that they can have the best chance of escaping to safety if a situation occurs.

This is only general advice, and the exact steps to take will depend on the companion animal you have and the circumstances. For additional guidance on emergency plans and suggestions to ensure everyone’s safety, we suggest you go through the information in the RSPCA Knowledgebase.

Do your planning ahead.

Planning for pets is an essential part of emergency preparations for the home. It is crucial to create a plan, practice it, and apply it quickly in the event of a need.

Writing down a concise, clear plan for an emergency could help save lives. The first step to creating a pet emergency plan must be to think about how you’ll take care of your pets in the event that you have to leave. It could involve a member of your family, friends, or a boarding facility that is in a secure location.

It is vital that your pet is microchipped and registered and that your microchip’s information is up to the latest – this is essential but is particularly important in an emergency. This will give you the best chance of being reunited with your pet should you decide to split. Vaccinations should be maintained current, but this is especially crucial in the event of an emergency (for instance, it could be required in the boarding facilities).

An emergency plan for your pet should also include ensuring that your pet is able to settle in a crate or carrier and is comfortable when being carried.

Prepare your pet emergency kit.

The preparation of a pet emergency kit is a vital component of the planning process. It ensures that you have all the necessary items to activate your plan quickly. The kit should contain an organized folder that includes certification of vaccination and registration forms and contact information for your veterinarian, your local shelter for animals, your local council and alternative accommodation for animals facility, medication with instructions and medical records, or a brief description of your pet’s health issues and treatment and a picture of your pet. Also included are transport equipment (cages and carriers, horse floats or crates appropriate for your animal. ), Cat litter or a tray for cats or small mammals, or dog poo bags, identification tags (including your pet’s name as well as your mobile number) and leashes, collars, and leashes. Food and water bowls, as well as at least a week’s supply of non-refrigerated meals, blankets, bedding, or nesting material, as well as toys.

When you’ve got an idea of what you want to do, It’s crucial to test it! The practice will help you improve your plan and keep you and your pet from panicking in the event in the event of an emergency.

Another way to begin making plans is to keep track of updates regularly and warnings that are early on through websites, social media, and emergency hotlines. For this, subscribe to alerts from your local emergency organization and keep an eye on the website for updates.

Inscribing your plan

Small animals must be contained inside the home at the first indication of a crisis. This assures that they are close by should you have to decide to leave.

Contact us ahead to confirm your arrangements using the secure location you’ve specified as part of your plan for emergencies, and then put your Pet Emergency Kit in your vehicle. Allow extra time to accommodate the unique requirements of certain pets.