For emergency assistance during a flood, storm or tsunami, call NSW SES on 132 500   In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
NSW SES NSW Government
NSW SES
translate keyboard_arrow_down

Plan for your household pets

Preparing your pets and small animals now will reduce the level of risk and stress for you and your animals in an emergency. Include your pets and animals in all your emergency plans.

On this page
Supplies

Have 3-7 days’ worth of supplies for your pet ready to go, in your pets’ Emergency Kit. This can be a backpack or a plastic tub. This should be stored somewhere easy to access should you need to leave. Include items such as:

  • Non-perishable food (including instructions on feeding) and water
  • Collars, leash, ID tag, etc.
  • Medications, tablets or creams (with instructions)
  • Bowls, spoon, can opener
  • Toileting - kitty litter and/tray, poo bags etc.
  • Paper towels and disinfectant
  • Bedding - blankets, towels etc.
  • Comfort items - toys, treats
  • First aid kit with bandage, tape, antibiotic ointment
  • Photo of you and your pet, contact details
  • Recent vaccination certificates and veterinary records
  • Emergency contact details e.g. vet and accommodation options
  • If you go to an evacuation centre you may need to place a muzzle on your dog.

Regularly check your supplies are not out of date. Water should be replaced every six months.

Identification
  • Ensure your dogs and cats are microchipped, registered and vaccinated. This is a requirement for pet owners in NSW. If you are not sure, check with your vet who can use a microchip scanner.
  • Register your dog or cat through NSW Pet Registry.
  • Visual identification is also helpful. A collar with ID information including your phone number should be worn. Cages and carriers should also have ID labels attached.
  • Keep copies of your pet’s vaccination records in your Pet Emergency Kit.
Practice

Animals can behave differently under stress, so practicing your plan helps you and your animal become more comfortable with containment, travelling and being around other animals and people. Practicing your plan can also alert you to any potential issues.

Reward them so it becomes a positive experience and easier during an emergency.

Read more about pet safety in emergencies from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

The importance of having an emergency plan for your animals.

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

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

An emergency plan for your animals - with sign language

Know when you will leave

Contain your animals early while you prepare to relocate or evacuate.

  • Animals can sense stress and changes in the environment and may hide or run away.
  • Prepare your animals early, put them in their crate or carrier if you use one or contain them in a room in your house so they are close at hand when you need to leave.

Know how you will contain and transport your pet(s)

  • Having the right equipment ready to contain and move your animals easily is invaluable.
  • Whatever you use should allow them to breathe, not cause injury and prevent them from escaping. When it’s time to leave, make sure you know exactly how you will carry your pet/s.
    • Do you need a pet carrier or crate for your cat or dog?
    • Do you have a collar and lead for your dog?
    • Cardboard or plastic boxes with sufficient air holes and secure lid are suitable for small animals, like rabbits and guinea pigs or birds.
    • A sack or pillowcase securely fastened works well for reptiles.
    • Do not plan on taking fish with you unless you have safe transportation and a known destination. Small fish can be transported in a 20-litre bucket with a lid and a hole for an air pump.

Know where you will take your animals

  • Plan to take your pets with you during an emergency. Will they be able to go with you to your safe place?
  • Having a plan that provides you with a range of options for your family and animals can reduce stress during an emergency.
  • If your animals can’t come with you, plan other options such as boarding facilities or a relative or friend’s place. Check local arrangements for animal shelters in an emergency. Consider pet-friendly accommodations for you and your animals. These may include temporary rentals, caravan parks, or motels that accept pets.
  • Ensure you have up-to-date identification and vaccination papers and contact details for your options ahead of time.
  • During an emergency, evacuation centres may be opened to provide emergency support for you and your animals. You must have your animal emergency bag with you. Remember, these sites may not always be available or suitable for the needs of your animals, so other options are essential.

Know how you will get to your chosen safe place with your pets

  • Plan which routes you will take when you leave.
  • Practice your plan to see how long it takes to get there, for example will you need to make more than one trip, or need any help from neighbours or friends? It is important to understand your local evacuation routes and follow advice.

Additional resources

Pets emergency plan and grab and go bag fact sheet
Pet safety in emergencies