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Make a plan for your assistance animal

If an emergency happens, and you need to evacuate, you should not be denied access to transport or any evacuation centres because you have an assistance animal with you.

Your assistance animal will need to wear their halter or lead but will not need to be muzzled in an evacuation centre.

Prepare your assistance animal's emergency kit

Pack in a waterproof container or tub and label it for your assistance animal.

Food - At least five days of non-perishable pet food (canned or dried, the same as what you normally feed them) in an airtight or waterproof container – remember the can opener!

Water - At least five days of water, additional to your family needs. Animals can drink more water than usual when stressed.

Medicines - Any extra medical supplies and special dietary needs or supplements.

Vet / medical records - Copies of any medical and vaccination records. Include your vet’s name and phone number.

Animal first aid kit - Cotton bandage rolls and tape, scissors, tweezers and latex gloves. Talk to your vet about any specific first aid requirements, like antibiotic ointment and saline solution (separate to your family’s).

Blanket/bedding - Familiar items, like favourite blanket or toy can help reduce stress for your assistance animal/guide Dog

Sanitation - Include pet litter and litter box and any other useful items, like newspapers, paper towels, poo bags, gloves.

Identification and permits - Bring any cards, passes, or permits for your assistance animal, along with items like a vest, cape, harness, badge, or medallion that help to identify them as an assistance animal.

Know when and how you will take your assistance animal with you in an emergency

  • Plan for how you and your assistance animal will travel if you need to leave your home in an emergency.
  • Know when you will leave: Know your risks, have Hazards Near Me App installed and monitor your watch zones. Leave early.
  • Ensure you can easily locate and pack your personal emergency kit and your grab and go bag for pets.
  • Have a few options for leaving, for example a backup plan if your original plan can’t happen.
  • Know which routes you will take.
  • If you need to go to an evacuation centre, there are a few things you should know:
    • You should not be separated from your assistance animal.
    • Your assistance animal should be in a harness or on a leash but does not need to be muzzled.
    • You and your assistance animal should be supported to access all areas of the evacuation centre that other evacuees have access to.
    • For more information about assistance animals in evacuation centres, view the Australian Red Cross Assistance Animals Evacuation Centre. 

Know what specific needs your assistance animal may have if you do need to evacuate

  • If your assistance animal becomes confused or is separated from you, are there other ways they might be supported?
  • Have instructions on how your assistance animal is to be treated written and placed in your emergency kit, in case needed in an evacuation centre.
  • What evidence can you provide that your assistance animal is trained to access public areas?

Related information

Additional resources