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.

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.

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.

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.