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.