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Formed in 1883, RSPCA Queensland is a non-government, community-based charity dedicated to improving the lives of all animals. Learn about how the impact of your support helps to change lives.

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Urgent

If animal is seriously injured or trapped, call us immediately.

Call 1300 264 625

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Animal is injured, sick or neglected and requires attention.

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Pet preparedness for disasters

Get your pets ready for severe weather and emergencies with a simple three-step plan. Being prepared before a disaster strikes could save your pet’s life.

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1. Plan

Include pets in your emergency survival plan

Is your pet emergency plan up to date? Severe storms, cyclones, flooding, bushfires, we see it all in Queensland. While homes and belongings can be replaced, our pets can’t. Including pets in your household emergency plan improves your ability to evacuate them safely and protect them during a disaster. Start planning today.

Download your Pet Emergency Plan

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2. Prepare

Prepare your pet emergency kit

Do you have a pet emergency kit ready? Check that your pet’s microchip details are up to date, and that your pet is wearing identification – either a collar or ear tags for livestock. Now is the time to pack your pet’s ‘go-bag’ full of pet care essentials.

Consider having two pet emergency kits – a lightweight and portable kit with everything you need to evacuate, and a kit that’s stocked up for when you’re stuck at home without power. Ensure you have enough pet food, water and medication for up to a week.

Find out what to include

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3. Practice

Practice your survival plan with your pets

Pets (and livestock) may not cooperate when stressed during severe weather or emergencies. Practise your emergency plan in advance - moving livestock, using pet carriers and loading animals for transport - so you can evacuate quickly and safely. Regular practice helps reduce panic and ensures you and your pet are prepared when a real disaster strikes.

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More tips

Make sure you are prepared for an emergency with these tips for keeping pets and livestock safe

Read more

Prepare your pets and livestock: Severe weather events

What you need to know to prepare your animals for drier, hotter weather conditions.

What should I do if my pet goes missing?

RSPCA's top tips to help reunite you with your best friend

Pet first aid at home

Practical advice from Greencross Vets.

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After an emergency

Taking your animals home

During floods, heavy rainfall and bushfires, animals may become displaced or lost when homes, sheds and fences are damaged or destroyed. Lost animals should be returned to their home property or correct ownership when safe to do so. If injured or sick, seek appropriate veterinary care immediately.

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Wild weather and wildlife

Watch for wildlife

Severe weather can often see our native wildlife injured or displaced. If you find wildlife in need of assistance, call the RSPCA Emergency Hotline on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) to report any orphaned, stranded, sick or injured animals. You can also contact your nearest wildlife carer or take the animal to your nearest vet (where safe to do so).

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Frequently asked questions

How can I be alerted to emergencies and disasters in my area?

Queensland’s local council websites include disaster dashboards providing important information to support local communities during and after disaster events.

Find your Community Disaster Dashboard

How can I keep up to date with weather warnings?

Keep up to date with weather warnings in your area on the Bureau of Meteorology website. For public safety warnings in your area visit your local Council website.

Visit the Bureau of Meteorology website

Who can I contact about an animal or wildlife in need who has been affected by a disaster?

  • SES can assist pets and their owners that need rescuing on 132 500
  • For sick or injured pets contact your local veterinarian
  • For lost and found companion animals, contact your local Council
  • If you notice displaced livestock, contact your local Council
  • To report orphaned, stranded, sick or injured wildlife, call the RSPCA Emergency Hotline on 1300 ANIMAL (264 625) 7am to 7pm, or your local wildlife group
  • For all other matters, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23

How do I prepare my animals for floods, cyclones and wet weather events?

  • Create your emergency pet plan and emergency pet kit
  • Stay informed with your local council disaster dashboard and weather warnings for your area
  • Plan to move your livestock and farm animals early to higher ground or safer properties away from flood zones
  • Know your nearest evacuation centre and if they allow pets

Read more pet preparedness tips for wet weather

How do I prepare my animals for bushfires?

  • Create your emergency pet plan and emergency pet kit
  • Stay informed with your local council disaster dashboard and weather warnings for your area
  • Plan to move your livestock and farm animals early to safer properties away from fires
  • Know your nearest evacuation centre and if they allow pets

Read our tips for preparing pets for fires and droughts

My pet has gone missing during a disaster, what should I do?

Try not to panic! Contact your local Council, do a thorough search of your property in and outside your home, contact your neighbours and post on your local social media community boards. You can also call our RSPCA Qld Lost and Found Team on 1300 363 736 for assistance.

Read our checklist of what to do if your pet goes missing

I had to leave my pet at home when I evacuated, what do I do?

If you can’t safely evacuate your pet, make sure to leave enough accessible food and water, clear identification and contact details, and a note with key information about your animals so emergency responders know that they are still at your property. Pets should never be tethered outside and safe indoor shelter areas should be used where possible to give them the best chance until help arrives. Contact your Council, SES, neighbours and the RSPCA if you’ve had to evacuate without your pets.

How can I protect my pet in a heatwave?

Animals can feel the heat, just like we do. It’s important in hot weather to ensure your pet has ample shade and multiple water sources.

Read about how to keep your pet cool

What are the signs of heatstroke in my dog?

If you believe your pet is overheating, call your vet immediately for advice over the phone.

Symptoms of heatstroke and what to do

How do I protect my livestock and farm animals from the heat?

All animals can feel the heat. If they do not have the right provisions to keep cool, heatstroke can be deadly. Know how to protect your animals from heat distress.

Read our top tips for keeping farm animals cool

My pet is scared of storms, what do I do?

Dogs, cats, horses and wildlife can all be spooked by storms and lightning. If you think your animal suffers from a noise phobia, there are steps you can take to ensure they’re comfortable in your home and at your property if you know a storm is brewing.

Read more about pet noise phobias and how to help