Preparing Your Pets for Storm Season and Natural Disasters

Throughout much of Australia, spring marks the beginning of the storm season, during which the prevalence of natural disasters, including flooding, increases. This, coupled with the fact that regional Australia also suffers the impacts of bushfires and cyclones more than our urban cousins.

Many of us are aware that we need to prepare our homes and properties for these events, and we have an emergency plan in place for people, but what about our pets? 

We’ve created an easy-to-follow plan and checklist so that you and your family stay prepared in the event of natural disasters.

Be Prepared

The scouts were onto something when they created their motto, “Be Prepared”, before a natural disaster hits.

Firstly, decide whether you will take your pets with you if a disaster strikes. Small pets, such as rabbits, cats, and dogs, may be able to be taken to evacuation centres, but larger animals, like livestock, may not.

Research your local evacuation centre. Are animals allowed? If so, what animals will they be and where will they be located? Your State Emergency Service (SES) is always a good place to start. 

Practice evacuating your house with your pets and family members.

Emergency Kit for Pets

Prepare an emergency kit that includes:

• Flea, tick and worm treatments 
  For dogs 
  And for cats
• Poo bags
• Head in-store for your spare identification tag
• Collapsible travel bowls
• Life Jackets
• Crates and carriers
  

1. Well before storm season hits, you can ensure that your emergency pack is ready. Keep your pack in a readily accessible location. Ensure all family members know where the pack is kept. 

2. Ensure you have enough of your pet’s regular food and water for 3 days. Ensuring the food is the same as their regular food will avoid tummy upsets during an already stressful time. Make sure you check the expiry date every 3 months.

3. Keep at least two records of your pet’s medical history, with vet details and their microchip certificate, along with a recent photo in two separate ziplock bags. Keep one with your emergency pack and one in your car. You can also take a picture of these details and save them in your phone. 
Check that your pet’s details are correct in the microchip database.

4. Don’t forget to include poo bags in your pack, collapsible food and water bowls.

5. Include flea, tick and worm treatments. Check their expiry date when you check your food.

6. A spare identification ring for your pet’s collar is handy in case one is lost.

7. If you live in a flood-prone zone, packing a pet life jacket may be a helpful addition to your emergency pack.
Dan & Sam lifejackets have a useful handle on the back to assist in ‘dog overboard’ situations

8. Create and photocopy a checklist that includes your emergency pack and your pet’s bedding, toys, carrier/crate, muzzles, harnesses and lead.

9. Being prepared will help ensure a safe and calm experience for your pet during challenging times.