Prepping Your Pets for Emergencies
, by Majella Gee, 4 min reading time
Floods. Fires. Blackouts. Cyclones. If you live in Australia, you know the drill — but does your pet?
We’ve all got our emergency go-bags and torches stashed in cupboards (hopefully). But prepping your pets? That’s a whole different level of planning. And if you’ve ever tried to evacuate with a panicked cat, a goldfish bowl, and a wet dog under one arm, you know exactly why it matters.
Let’s break it down into something practical, doable, and kind of entertaining — because prepping doesn’t have to be doom and gloom.
🐾 1. Create a Pet Emergency Kit
Just like us, your pet needs an emergency stash ready to grab and go. Here’s what to pack:
- Food & Water – At least 3–5 days’ worth, plus bowls
- Leads, harnesses, carriers – Make sure they’re in good nick
- Blankets or bedding – Comfort counts in chaos
- Medications & pet health records – Keep in a waterproof pouch
- Poo bags / litter / gloves – Sanitation isn’t just for humans
- Toys or chews – Something familiar to soothe nerves
- Photos of your pet – In case you’re separated
- Rescue Remedy or pet-safe calming support – A little bottle of calm can go a long way
Pop it all in a waterproof container or sturdy backpack. One per pet if you’ve got a little zoo at home. Label everything — your sleep-deprived future self will thank you.
🐕 2. Practice Makes Prepared
Don’t wait for disaster to introduce your pet to their carrier. Whether it’s a dog crate, a bird cage, or a cat carrier, let them get used to it now. Toss treats inside. Feed them in it. Make it their safe zone, not a panic trap.
A quick “grab-the-kit-and-go” drill can be eye-opening. Spoiler: you’ll forget the lead the first time.
🐈 3. Shelter Smarts – Know Where You Can Go
Not all evacuation centres allow animals. Plan ahead:
- Find pet-friendly friends or family
- Check which local kennels or vet clinics offer emergency boarding
- Note your council’s pet policies during disasters
Print the list. Keep it in your kit.
And if you’ve got chickens 🐔, guinea pigs 🐹, or cockatoos 🐦 — have a travel plan. You won’t be googling “can I evacuate with a duck?” when the floodwaters rise.
🐟 4. Don’t Forget the Tank Crew
Fish, reptiles, and amphibians need some love too:
- Battery-powered air pump – a lifesaver during blackouts
- Heat pack or insulation – crucial for tropicals
- Pre-treated water – keep a few bottles handy
- Evac buckets – lidded, half-full with tank water
They might not do tricks or snuggle, but they’re part of the family.
🐾 5. Microchip & ID – Not Just a Vet Thing
Check your pet’s microchip details. Update their collar tags.
In a crisis, the last thing you want is a missing pet with no ID.
🧠 Bonus Tip: Calm the Chaos
Your energy = their energy. A few tricks to keep things mellow:
- Calming sprays, Rescue Remedy, or safe essential oils
- Familiar scents and toys
- Gentle music or white noise
- Lick mats or chewy distractions
You’re their safe place — even in a blackout with soggy socks and no coffee.
Final Thoughts 🧡
Emergencies are never fun — but a little planning can make all the difference.
Want more practical pet tips? Join my email family or browse our Winter Warmers Collection — because even emergency prep can come with style.
Stay safe,
Majella 🐾
Majella’s Pet Store – Where pets and planning go paw in paw
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