Home > Get Ready Challenge > Stage Three > Pets are Family Too
HEY! We will be at Leura Fair this weekend 10-11 October. Bring your burning questions!
Pets’ needs are often forgotten or left to the last minute because they don’t know how to remind you to plan for them too.
As not all emergency shelters can safely accommodate animals, your best bet is to plan ahead and get them to a friend or relatives’ place well ahead of the threat. This way they can be out of harm’s way with minimal stress, even if you intend to stay and actively defend your home.
Activity: Pack a doggy (or kitty, or bunny) bag
Once you’ve finished packing your own grab bag, make one with essential supplies for your pet. Here’s a short list of common things that dogs and cats might need:
- Lead with harness or collar
- A carry box / travel crate
- A few days worth of food and water (in case you get caught) plus bowls
- Medications and special dietary needs
- Sanitary supplies – poop bags, litter tray, newspapers or paper towel
- A familiar smelling blanket, bed or toy to help ease anxiety.
Make sure they are microchipped and wearing a tag with your contact number on it.
Practice packing their stuff when you do a rehearsal of your evacuation plan. Maybe treat yourselves to a camping trip or a weekend with the relatives! You can learn a lot from the practice run.
If you have no choice but to stay
If you don’t have a suitable place to take your pet, or if it’s too late to evacuate, your pet survival plan goes like this:
- contain them securely in a room that’s cool and easy to clean e.g. laundry or bathroom
- give them water and bedding
- check in on them regularly as part of your patrol for embers and spot fires
- keep your vet’s phone number handy.
Resources and tips
Get the family involved
Knowing that your animals are part of the plan will help ease everybody’s anxiety about evacuation, so make sure the kids are involved and informed.
First Aid for Pets is a free educational app available from your app store. Brush up on some dog, cat or horse first aid, and add some basic supplies to your emergency kit.
WIRES (1300 094 737) The people to call if you find injured wildlife caught up in the emergency.
Vets Beyond Borders have further information on pet evacuation, first aid and other resources for emergency preparedness.
RFS Fire Safety For Pets fact sheet.
Share your tips
The truth about cats and dogs is … they’re not the only pets. Different animals have different needs, and you’ll be best placed to make a suitable list for yours. If you’ve got any life-changing tips for owners of budgies or bunnies or bird-eating spiders, feel free to write them up and send them to us. Contributions and good advice are always welcome!
That’s a Wrap on Stage Three
You are truly the cat’s pyjamas. If you’re doing the Challenge in order, congrats! You’re halfway there, and all the planning is done.
If you’re doing the inbox challenge, you’re done for Week 3! See you next Friday.
Onwards to Stage 4 – it’s time to play rakes and ladders.