Plan for pets and livestock

Cats on a rug

When you make an emergency plan, you should also think about your pets and other animals.

Planning ahead for your pets and livestock will reduce risk and distress for yourself, your family and your animals. 

Pets and companion animals

Consider whether family or friends, or a registered boarding shelter, cattery or kennel can take your pets, and plan to relocate them early. 

Ensure your pets are easily identifiable, with a collar or tag, and that their microchip details are up to date. Make sure you have a suitable cage, crate or carrier to transport and contain them in. Don’t forget to include non-perishable food and supplies for your pets when preparing your emergency kit. 

If you need to leave animals at home during high-risk days ensure they have a water supply that will last them several days, even if you plan to be home that evening. 

Agriculture Victoria, the RSPCA and the CFA provide a range of information, including check lists and planning templates, to help you plan for your pets. 

Dog on a path

 

Horses and livestock

If you are planning to relocate animals as part of your emergency plan, leaving early is always the best option.

Consider how challenging it may be to contain animals for transport if you, and they, are already stressed due to challenging weather conditions. Make sure you allow plenty of time to act.  

Agriculture Victoria provides advice for planning for horses and other livestock, including: 

  • what to include in emergency kits for animals,  
  • how to identify and prepare low risk areas where livestock can be moved to 
  • how to prepare animals that will remain on the property 
  • what to consider if you are planning to evacuate livestock 

The CFA also provides advice on planning for livestock, including horses. 

Cows near water with smoke in background

Animals in Emergency Relief Centres

Not all Emergency Relief Centres are set up to safely cater for animals. Emergency Relief Centres are not decided in advance, so you cannot assume where you might go. In general, animals are more likely to be accepted at larger facilities that have open spaces and cater for animals as part of their day-to- day operations, like showgrounds.

Check the VicEmergency app or website to see if you can take your animals to an Emergency Relief Centre.

For the safety and wellbeing of your animals and yourself, it is always better to plan in advance and relocate them early. 

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