Be ready to protect your pets and family in any emergency!

Emergencies can happen at any time, and planning is essential to keep your WHOLE family safe — including your pets. Effective pet emergency preparedness and a clear pet evacuation plan can make all the difference when a crisis arises. Our "Ready, Pet, GO!" initiative provides easy-to-use resources to help you prepare and ensure your pets’ safety during bushfires, floods, and other crises. You can even purchase a Ready, Pet, Go! Emergency Wallet for just $15.00, where you can keep all your pet's emergency details and medications in one place. The wallet is waterproof and magnetic, so you can grab and go in an emergency.

Order your Ready, Pet, Go! Cat Emergency Wallet today!

Order your Ready, Pet, Go! Dog Emergency Wallet today! 

Order your Ready, Pet, Go! Other Emergency Wallet today!

For comprehensive emergency planning, visit DFES Emergency Plan for up-to-date information.

For people with disability, when writing your plan, ensure you include any adaptive equipment your pet will need to travel with you. For example, if your animal is a support animal, then include a reminder to take their support animal vest if you will be accessing a shelter. Also, include emergency numbers of local supports and neighbours who can assist you and your pets in your plan.

Why Prepare? 

Due to health and safety concerns, animals are generally not permitted inside community evacuation centres, except for recognised assistance animals. Other options for evacuating animals include boarding facilities, pet-friendly accommodation or a friend or family member’s property in a safe area. Making an emergency plan for your pets increases their chances of being evacuated safely. Spending some time on emergency pet safety and having a detailed pet emergency plan in place will mean you can act decisively when it matters most. 

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STEP 1: GET READY!

COLLECT INFORMATION

Your details and emergency contacts

• Include your full name, mobile, email, and home address.
• Add emergency contacts for a family member or friend.
• Decide on your safe locations now. For assistance in selecting safe locations, refer to the DFES Emergency Plan and Emergency WA.

Vet details 

• Collate contact information for your pet’s vet.
• Gather veterinary records, including vaccination history.
• List prescriptions and gather one week’s supply of medications.

Evidence of ownership 

• Gather your pet's adoption record, council registration, and find a photo of you with your pet

Pet profile

• Name, sex, age, breed, colour, weight, and microchip number.
• Personality details (e.g., friendly, shy, reactive).
• Feeding instructions or food commands.

STEP 2: GET PET!

BUILD YOUR PET EMERGENCY KIT 

Documents and medications

• Store all collected documents in a waterproof bag. We have a waterproof wallet with a checklist insert and magnetic strip back that you can store your emergency kit in. Purchase by clicking here! 

Emergency pet transport

• Prepare crates, cages, or carriers.
• Use special containers with air holes for small pets like rodents or reptiles.
• Ensure collars have ID tags with your contact details.

Supplies

• Food and water for several days, plus bowls, tin opener, and spoons.
• Bedding or blankets for comfort.
• Treats or toys to help keep your pet calm.
• Toileting supplies: litter box, poop bags, puppy pads, and cleaning items.

STEP 3: GO!

EVACUATE SAFELY

Act quickly

• Put them on a lead or in a carrier. Pets often run or hide when they sense danger, making it difficult to evacuate with them. 

Know your destination

• If you have a pre-arranged safe location, check with Emergency WA to ensure it is safe or find the closest evacuation centre. 

Bring your kit

• Take all documents, medications, and supplies. 

Stay calm and reassuring

• Secure pets in your vehicle and keep them comfortable during transport. 

Leave a note

• Inform emergency services where you’ve gone to prevent unnecessary searches. 

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Tips for responsible pet ownership in emergency shelters

• Follow on-site staff instructions.
• Keep pets secure in crates or on leads at all times.
• Maintain feeding routines to reduce stress.
• Keep pets away from human food areas.
• Notify staff about any special needs or health issues.
• Clean up after your pet and respect others’ space.

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Download free resources to help you prepare

• Pet emergency detail cheat-sheet: stay organised with all of your essential details in one place. 
• Downloadable 'Ready, Pet, GO!' flyer - tick things off as you create your plan!

Looking for more information? Explore these resources:

DFES Emergency Plan: Detailed advice on emergency preparation
Emergency WA: Real-time updates on emergencies and evacuation centres.

Act now to protect your pets.

Emergencies don't wait. Start preparing today to ensure your pets are safe and sound.