Leaving Your Pets Safely In Emergency

Pets should not be abandoned unless it is impossible to safely evacuate them. If a disaster strikes without warning it may be too late to leave safely - you and your pets may need to shelter in place.

If you cannot evacuate or are forced to leave your pets behind, be sure to follow this advice:

• Do not tether pets (tie them up) as they will be unable to flee if danger is imminent.
• Provide food and water for at least one week in accessible places and in more than one container that can't be tipped over.
• Ensure pets are easily identified (for example a collar with a name and phone number and up to date microchip details). 
• Leave a note on the front door or on your mail box stating your mobile phone number, how many pets are located on the premises, their species, names and a photo.
• Birds will require food dispensers that regulate the amount of food provided at any one time. Ideally these dispensers will be provided for all pets.
• In the case of flood, position a heavy chair or crate to allow access to a higher refuge such as a bench, vanity unit or shelf where adequate food and water should be left.

If possible, leave your pets indoors:

• If you are home, shut your pets inside the house so they are close by and can exit with you once the danger has passed.
• If you have to leave pets behind alone, leave your pets in a safe, secure room. Ideally this room would have no windows, and must have adequate air (for exampe: a big bathroom).
• Avoid rooms with hazards such as large windows, hanging plants or large picture frames.
• Don't confine dogs and cats in the same space.

If you have to leave your pets outside:

• Ensure there is plenty of water available from a source that does not rely on power or above-ground pipes.
• In a bushfire, move pets to a closely grazed or ploughed paddock (preferably around the homestead) with drinking water, steel fencing and preferably shade. (Poultry can be placed in a temporary pen.)
• In a flood, move pets to high ground with adequate natural feed. Additional feed may be required for stock stranded for extended periods.
• In a severe storm (including hail) or a cyclone, place pets under solid cover (for example: a sturdy barn / shed or covered pen).
• Do not shut horses in stables or small fenced yards. Sand arenas, grazed down paddocks or similar bare areas are best.
• High visibility pet coats and horse rugs with your mobile phone number can also be helpful to assist in the relocation of lost pets - but horse rugs, halters, fly veils, etc, are best removed during floods or fires, as they may become caught on objects or melt onto skin during intense heat.
• Do not place synthetic blankets on your horses, as these may melt during extreme heat.
• Provide a minimum of five days' supply of hay or ensure access to pasture.