Include your animals in your Emergency Plan
Emergency planning for pets is an important part of emergency household preparations and greatly increases the likelihood of evacuating your pets to safety. There are many things pet owners can do to be prepared in the event of emergencies such as floods or bushfires. Visit RSPCA’s READY, PET, GO! for more information.
Pets and Heatwaves
It is also important to make sure you are prepared during hot weather to care for your pets. For more information on caring for animals during heat waves visit Animal Care Australia Pets and Heatwave.
Evacuation
If you have pets or animals at your property or business, it is important to plan for how you can care for or evacuate them in an emergency. Evacuating your pets and animals early to a safe place offers both them and you the best chance of protection.
Your animals are your responsibility, it is up to you to plan ahead and prepare for their safety and welfare. Your first option should always be to take them to family or friends who live in an area which is not at risk from the emergency.
In the event of a major emergency, Huon Valley Council may be directed to open an evacuation centre. Our primary evacuation centre is the Huon Valley PCYC Building located in the Huonville Recreation Grounds. Cats, dogs and small domestic pets may be accommodated at the Huonville Recreation Ground.
Council may also open a Large Animal Refuge at the Ranelagh Showgrounds for those animals with nowhere else to go. This area will accommodate horses and livestock. However, pets and livestock are not always allowed at evacuation centres, so you need to consider what you will do with the animals in your care in your emergency plan, evacuation centres should be your last option.
Never turn animals out on to the road to run free. This is dangerous for emergency responders and vehicles. You may be legally responsible if they cause a crash.
If you are staying at an animal evacuation or refuge, you will need to bring:
- Food, clean water and bowls
- vet and microchipping details
- name tag including owners phone number
- First Aid kit
- Required medication
- Waste bags and litter
- Disinfectant and paper towel
- Collars and leads
- Muzzle (if required)
- Toys and treats
- Blankets
- Crate or pet carrier