With Cyclone Debbie not long gone, we thought it would be prudent to take some time to talk about disaster planning for your pets. You never know when disaster, such as fires, floods or cyclones, may strike and pet owners need a survival plan, a pet emergency kit and some practice to make sure everything runs smoothly.
SURVIVAL PLANS FOR PETS
* Make sure you have someplace safe for them to stay during evacuation, such as a boarding facility or with friends and family in safe areas. Keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date in case they need to board.
* Teach your pet to travel well in the car.
* Teach your pet to be used to carrier, cage or crate transport if necessary.
* Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date and keep the vaccination certificate as proof.
* Make sure your pet is micro-chipped and that all details attached to it are up-to-date.
* Make sure your details are up-to-date with your council registration.
* Prepare a first aid and pet emergency kit ahead of time
* Practice your plan so you know it will work
MAKING AN EMERGENCY KIT
This kit should be constructed and kept in a safe place that can be accessed quickly. It needs to include
* Vaccination certificates
* Registration certificates
* Transport equipment (like crates, cages and carriers)
* Cat litter and tray
* Poo bags
* Collar, lead, harness and ID tags
* Food and water bowls with one week’s worth of food
* Instructions with any medical conditions
* Medications
* Blankets and bedding
* Toys
* Up-to-date photo of your pet in clear plastic
* Contact details for your vet, local animal shelter, council and chosen boarding facility.
NOTE: Once everything is prepared, it is important to practice your plan to make sure everything runs smoothly and you will be calm in the event of a real emergency. After all, practice makes perfect!
Do not abandon your pets unless there is absolutely no other option. In this case, leave them plenty of food and water or plan ahead and evacuate them well ahead of time. Also put a sign on your front door/gate alerting the public that there are pets inside your residence as sometimes rescue crews will evacuate abandoned pets.
