If you are like millions of animal owners nationwide, your pet is an important family member.

The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire, flood or cyclone depends mainly on your emergency planning.

However, some things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as having an animal emergency supply kit and developing a pet care buddy system, are the same for any emergency.

Whether you stay in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location, you must make plans in advance for your pets.

Remember what's best for you is typically what's best for your animals. 

Plan for shelter alternatives that will work for both you and your pets and if you must evacuate, take your pets with you.

Make a backup emergency plan in case you can't care for your animals yourself.

For example, develop a buddy system with neighbours, friends and relatives to ensure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you cannot.

Preparing for the unexpected makes sense. 

Download a copy of the AWLQ Preparing your pets in case of disaster brochure and follow these steps:

1. Prepare: Get a pet emergency supply kit

Consider two kits. In one, put everything you and your pets will need to stay where you are. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents haven’t expired.

Food and water: Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container. Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets and the water you need for yourself.

First-aid kit: Talk to your veterinarian about the most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include bandage rolls, tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves and saline solution. Keep an extra supply of medicines for your pets in a waterproof container.

Crate or another pet carrier: If you need to evacuate, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.

Familiar items: Put favourite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Everyday things can help reduce stress for pets.

Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should always wear a collar with its identification. Include a spare lead, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit. In addition, place copies of your pet’s paperwork in a waterproof container and add them to your kit. You should also check your pet’s microchip details are current.

2. Plan: What you will do in an emergency?

Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay or leave. You should understand and plan for both possibilities.

Create a plan to get away: Plan how to assemble your pets and anticipate where you will go. Then, if you must evacuate, take your pets with you and go to a pet-friendly evacuation centre. Other options may include family or friends or a pet-friendly hotel out of the danger zone. Find out before an emergency happens if any of these facilities in your area might be viable options for you and your pets.

Develop a buddy system: Plan with neighbours, friends or family to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you cannot. Talk with your pet care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you keep your pet’s emergency kit.

Talk to your vet about emergency planning: Discuss the types of things that you should include in your pet’s emergency first-aid kit. For example, get the names of vet clinics where you might need to seek temporary shelter. If you don’t know your pet’s microchip details, have the vet scan your animal to obtain this information and ensure it is up to date with the company the microchip is registered with.

Gather information for emergency animal treatment: Make a list of contact information and addresses of area animal control agencies and animal shelters. Keep one copy of these phone numbers with you and one in your pet’s emergency supply kit.

3. Stay informed: Know about types of emergencies

Some things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit for yourself, your family and your pets, are the same regardless of the type of emergency.

It’s essential to stay informed about what might happen and know what types of emergencies are likely to affect your region and emergency plans established by your state and local government.

Visit the State Government’s Get Ready Queensland website for more pet-friendly information about how to prepare.

Adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected.

Those who take the time to prepare themselves and their pets will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry. So take the time now to get yourself and your pet ready.

In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do.

However, watch TV, listen to the radio or check online for instructions. If you’re specifically told to evacuate or shelter in place, do so immediately.