Emergency advice: pets in emergencies
Your animals are your responsibility. It is up to you to prepare for their safety and welfare.
Related to Health and safety, Pet & animal services
Published
Pet safety and welfare
For emergencies or disasters, advice is available from the Department of Primary Industries about animal care services.
Be prepared
If you’re a pet owner you ensure the following, before emergency warnings are issued:
- Include your animals in household emergency plans.
- Your pets need to be properly identifiable. For example, name tag and microchip. It is a legal requirement for NSW residents to microchip and register their pets.
- Be aware that some evacuation centres may not accept animals, so you will need to plan alternative shelter.
- Keep a list of emergency contacts handy.
If you're moving animals to a safer place, do so early to avoid unnecessary risk and ensure there is access to plenty of food and water. If you're staying at home, keep animals in a secure location so they can't escape.
During an emergency
If you have to leave your pets behind during an emergency:
- Leave your pets indoors if possible.
- Place pets in separate rooms with small, or preferably no windows.
- Provide adequate food and water in large heavy bowls.
- Do not tie them up if they need to be left outside.
Do not risk human life trying to find or protect pets.
This information has been adapted from the RSPCA website and the Department of Primary Industries.
