Pet Emergency Preparedness Guide (PrepPro Australia)

Including pets in your emergency plan dramatically increases the chance you’ll evacuate together safely. Secure early, have a grab‑and‑go kit, and know where your animals can stay if evacuation centres can’t take them. RSPCA Knowledgebase NSW SES – Plan for your household pets

🟦 1. Include Pets in Your Plan

• Decide safe locations now (friend/family outside the risk area, pet‑friendly accommodation, boarding facility—vaccinations required). RSPCA Knowledgebase
• Contain early on warning days—leash, crate/carrier, or a closed room, before conditions become chaotic. NSW SES
• Keep ID current (microchip + collar tag with your mobile; update registry details). RSPCA Knowledgebase
• Practice car trips and carrier time so animals load calmly under stress. RSPCA Knowledgebase

WA & State resources: DFES bushfire planning tools and Emergency WA help you choose timing and routes; RSPCA WA’s “Ready, Pet, GO!” has step‑by‑step pet planning. DFES – Bushfire prepare My Bushfire Plan (WA) RSPCA WA – Ready, Pet, GO!

🟩 2. Build a Pet “Grab & Go” Kit

• Non‑perishable food & water (several days), bowls, opener. Rotate to keep in‑date. NSW SES
• Medications (1+ week) with dosing instructions; vaccination records; vet contacts in a waterproof pouch. RSPCA Knowledgebase
• Carrier/crate, leash/harness; muzzle if required at some evacuation points. NSW SES
• Hygiene: litter + tray (cats), poo bags, wipes, paper towel, disinfectant. NSW SES
• Comfort: familiar bedding/blanket, toy/treats to reduce stress. RSPCA Knowledgebase
• Proof of ownership (photo with pet, registration), backup ID and microchip details. RSPCA Knowledgebase

🟧 3. If You Must Evacuate

• Leave early on high‑risk days; late evacuation is dangerous for people and animals. CFA – Pets & Bushfires
• Secure pets first (lead/carrier), load your kit, verify route and destination, and leave a note on the door stating animals evacuated. CFA – Pets & Bushfires
• Because many evacuation centres can’t accept pets, have alternatives (boarding, friends/family, pet‑friendly stays). Assistance animals are generally permitted. NSW SES

🟥 4. If You Must Shelter at Home

• Keep pets contained in a safe internal room; maintain water, food, hygiene supplies. RSPCA Knowledgebase
• For bushfire danger days, prepare to relocate animals before conditions deteriorate; know local Fire Danger Ratings and advice. CFA – Pets & Bushfires

🐾 5. Species Notes

• Cats & small pets: sturdy carriers with towels/litter; label carriers with ID. NSW SES
• Dogs: secure lead/harness; consider a soft muzzle if required by the site; bring waste bags and familiar bedding. NSW SES
• Horses/livestock: separate plan—relocate early to a large, low‑fuel, fenced paddock with water if you cannot evacuate them. CFA – Pets & Bushfires

🌫️ 6. Smoke, Heat & First Aid

• Heat & smoke exacerbate stress and illness—provide cool water, shade, and limit exertion; monitor for heat stress (excess panting, drooling; seek a vet if worsening). CFA – Pets & Bushfires
• First aid skills help: Red Cross Australia offers pet first aid guidance and courses. Australian Red Cross – Pet First Aid

📄 7. Quick Checklist (Print/Save)

• Microchip + collar tag up‑to‑date; printed vaccination proof. RSPCA Knowledgebase
• Pre‑arranged safe locations (boarding, friends, pet‑friendly stays). RSPCA Knowledgebase
• Grab‑and‑go kit: food, water, meds, documents, carrier/leash, hygiene, bedding, comfort. NSW SES
• Practice loading pets; contain early on warning days; leave early. CFA – Pets & Bushfires

🔗 Official Information & Tools (Australia)

• RSPCA Knowledgebase—Pet Emergency Planning (plan steps, kit, authorisation forms): kb.rspca.org.au
• RSPCA WA—Ready, Pet, GO! (WA‑focused planning resources): rspcawa.org.au/ready-pet-go
• NSW SES—Plan for your household pets (ID, kit, practice, evacuation centre info): ses.nsw.gov.au » Animal safety
• DFES WA—Bushfire planning (local risks, My Bushfire Plan): dfes.wa.gov.au & mybushfireplan.wa.gov.au
• CFA—Pets and Bushfires (when to leave, where to go, what to take): cfa.vic.gov.au » Pets & Bushfires

⚠️ PrepPro Disclaimer

This guide provides general preparedness information. Always follow directions from your local emergency agencies (DFES, SES, CFA) and your veterinarian for animal health advice.