Pets and Cyclones

Preparation

  • Prepare a disaster plan and kit for each pet.
  • For each pet, get a carrier that is large enough for your pet to stand and turn around
  • Be sure your pet has current vaccinations.
  • In your home disaster plan, record contact phone numbers and addresses of your Vet. The Council Ranger can be contacted on 9949 1699 or 0428 518 413.
  • Be sure your pet has a current registration tag, an identification tag with your contact details AND a second method of identification, such as an implanted microchip.
  • Keep with you a current photograph of your pet, in case your pet is lost.
  • If you stay at home, prepare an easily cleaned room or bathroom or laundry for your pet, preferably with small or no windows.
  • Keep a good supply of newspapers for your pet's sanitary needs.
  • For each pet, have two weeks supply of medication, food and water.
  • Keep a leash handy at all times.
  • If you will be evacuating your pet consider safe relocation options. For example safe refuge with family or friends.

Evacuating your home without your pet

  • Evacuate early to avoid unnecessary risk to you and your animals.
  • Remember, public evacuation centres will not take your pets. (Guide dogs excepted.)
  • Bring your pet indoors to the prepared safe area.
  • Leave approximately 3 days worth of pet food in sturdy containers accessible to your pet.
  • Birds must eat daily - put special food dispensers in their cage.
  • For pet drinking water, fill the bathtub or fill non-spill containers. Disinfect the toilet bowl, flush well, and leave lid open.
  • Be sure to leave ample water in hot conditions.
  • Allow your pet access to elevated areas/furniture in the event of flooding
  • Consider leaving comfort items with your pet to reduce anxiety, for example their bed and toys. Never leave a cat with a dog in the same room, even if they get along.
  • Leave a note on the door warning of an animal in the room in the event Emergency Services enter your home.

Evacuating with your pet

  • Don't leave animals in vehicles.
  • Consider taking with you your pet's comfort items to reduce their anxiety, for example their bed and toys.
  • Also carry your pet's grooming items, paper towels, rubbish bags and disinfectant.
  • Use pet carriers for dogs and cats. Be sure that they are large enough for your pet to stand up in, turn around and lie down.
  • Carry leashes.
  • Please note that Pets are not permitted at the Evacuation Centre.

After the threat has passed

  • Keep pets inside after a cyclone. If you take your pets outside, keep your dog on a lead and your cat in a carrier.
  • Check with relevant authorities regarding missing animals.
  • Take care when releasing animals, their environment may have been severely damaged and the animals may be very disoriented or frightened and behave unexpectedly.