Pets in emergencies
Many Territorian households contain pets. Dogs, cats and even snakes are common within the metropolitan areas and horses, cattle and poultry are some of the companions found in rural Territory households. Your animals are your responsibility and it is up to you to plan ahead and prepare for the safety and welfare of your pets.
Most emergency shelters do not allow pets, so you need to think now how you will look after your pets, livestock or other farm animals in the event of a disaster.
Be prepared!
- Include your animals in your household emergency plan
- Properly identify and register your pets (eg name tags, microchip or band)
- Keep a list of emergency phone numbers handy
- Be aware that some evacuation/emergency centres may not accept animals so plan alternatives accordingly
Act early
- If moving animals to a safer place, do so early to avoid unnecessary risk
- Ensure there is access to plenty of food and water (without human assistance)
- If staying at home, secure animals in good time so that they do not run away. Remember animal behaviour may change if they sense threat
Be considerate
If you have to leave your pets behind:
- If possible, leave pets indoors
- Lock pets in separate rooms with small or no windows
- Provide adequate food and water in large heavy bowls
- Leave a note on the inside of the front door that states where the pets are, how many are in the house and what sort of animal they are
- If leaving pets outside, do not tie them up
Act safe
Your safety, and that of your family, is paramount DONT RISK HUMAN LIFE trying to find and protect pets.
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