Emergency Planning For Perth’s Pets

Estimated Reading Time: 2 min | Last Updated: June 26th, 2018

Be prepared for when disaster strikes

It’s important to be prepared when emergent situations such as a bushfire or cyclone occurs. Your pet’s welfare should also be considered in these instances so it is important you have an emergency kit at the ready for your pet as well as your family.

Your pet will need a constant source of water and food as well as identification and documents in the event you need to find a safe place for them to board. Pets are not allowed in relocation centres so there are many situations to prepare for and this information will help you.

Before an Emergency Situation

  • Ensure your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date. Visit your veterinarian who will be able to scan your pet and provide their microchip number as well as the databases to contact with updated details.
  • Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with a council registration tag and a secondary tag. The secondary tag should have your current phone number as well as your pet’s name. This simple measure means you will be easily contactable.
  • Ensure your pet’s vaccinations and registrations are current. Doing this will avoid added stress when placing your dog or cat in a boarding facility as these are the minimum requirements for a pet to be boarded.
  • Prepare an Emergency Kit for your pets.

Emergency Kit for Pets

It is imperative to be prepared. There are a number of items you will need for your pet in an emergency situation.

  • Food and water for each pet that will last at least a week, as well as bowls.
  • Medications, a copy of vaccination certificates and the contact details for your pet’s veterinarian.
  • A blanket and toys previously used by the pet provides comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.
  • Shopping bags or litter disposal bags for cleaning up after your pet.
  • Baby wipes, or disinfectant and paper towel, for cleaning up after your pet.
  • A leash and/or harness.
  • Recent photos of your pet for identification.

Another tip is to keep a list of all pets at your residence in your purse or wallet. This list should include your address as well as the contact details for your pet’s veterinarian. This will help emergency services see to your pets in the event something happens to you.

Tips for when you have to leave pets at home in an emergency

There are instances when pets have to be left at home during an emergency. Sometimes this just cannot be avoided.

  • Leave pets inside if possible so they don’t run away. Place in rooms with few or no windows such as a bathroom or laundry.
  • If they are left outside, do not tether or tie them up. Make sure gates are closed and the yard is secure so they don’t run onto roads.
  • Leave plenty of food and water in large heavy bowls. Fill the bathtub, sinks or buckets with water.
  • Ensure microchip details are up-to-date. Your pet should be wearing a council registration tag as well as a secondary tag with your phone number.
  • Take photos of your pets and registration papers with you for identification in the event they go missing.
  • Leave a visible note on your front door detailing what pets are inside, where they are, and how you can be contacted.

As we mentioned above, keeping a list of your pets on your person will alert emergency services to your pet’s welfare in the event something happens to you.

After hours emergency

We hope you never have to resort to actioning this emergency plan for your pets but it is best to be prepared. If you find yourself needing help or advice, please feel free to contact the friendly team at Perth Vet Emergency.

More information is available at Animals Australia and The Department of Fire & Emergency Services WA.

 

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