There are very few people I know in the Canberra community who have not been impacted by a bushfire at some point in their lives or know someone who has. While bushfires are not the only environmental emergencies we may face, they certainly are the ones we think about the most, especially during this time of year when we are at high fire danger levels.
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Many of us have made provisions for important paperwork and pictures, but have you considered what you might do with your pets in case of an emergency evacuation? After all, they can’t be replaced unlike so many other things that we might value, and many human shelters do not allow pets.
Emergencies can strike suddenly and without warning. So it’s important to have a plan. Australia has one of the highest rates of animal ownership in the world with over 60 percent of Australians being pet owners according to a report by Animal Medicines Australia. Therefore, the need for a plan that includes your pet is vital.
Pet owners need to take into account the needs of their pets in case of a major disaster or emergency – after all, evacuating with pets is more complicated than just tossing them in the car.
We understand that evacuating can be an overwhelming experience – for people and for pets – so we’ve put together a step-by-step guide and checklist called “Ready to Go” to make it easier for you to be prepared and evacuate – FAST – if the need calls for it.
Our free pet emergency kit is easy to understand and full of information and tips to ensure you and your family (furry members included) are, “Ready to Go.” By signing up to receive our ‘Ready to Go’ pack, you’ll be well on your way to being prepared for any emergency evacuation scenario.
Our kit includes a step-by-step guide to prepare for possible evacuation, a checklist of essential items to pack and a front door hanger to alert rescuers of any animals inside the premises if you were unable to evacuate with your pets.
You can save valuable minutes by having your ‘go bag’ already assembled in case of emergencies for your pet. It can be as easy as having a plastic tub or bag with non-perishable items on the checklist.
Furthermore, if you provide an email address when you register for your free emergency kit, we will also email you other tips throughout the next few months on how to care for your pets during disaster scenarios with some special guest experts weighing in to help guide you through the process. To obtain your free kit, visit www.rspca-act.org.au/ready-go-evacuation.
Have you ever been in an emergency with your pet where you needed to evacuate? Tell us your story! Email us at rspca@rspca-act.org.au
- Tammy Ven Dange is the CEO of RSPCA ACT
