In North Queensland, severe weather and loud events are a part of life. From cyclones during the wet season to summer storms and fireworks displays, these situations can be stressful and potentially dangerous for pets.
Preparation is essential. Having a clear plan in place will help keep both you and your pets safe when it matters most.
Plan Ahead
During emergencies, time is limited and decisions can be difficult. Planning ahead ensures you are ready to act quickly.
Keep in mind:
- Pets are not always permitted in emergency accommodation
- Boarding facilities may be unavailable or at capacity
- Evacuation transport may not allow animals
Check your local council’s disaster management plan so you understand your options before an event occurs.
Identification & Records
Ensure your pet can always be identified:
- Microchip your pet and keep contact details up to date
- Use a collar and ID tag
- Keep recent photos of your pet
- Have vaccination records accessible (required for boarding or shelters)
Emergency Kit
Prepare a dedicated emergency kit for your pet and store it somewhere easy to access.
Include:
- Food and clean water
- Bowls and food containers
- Lead, harness, or carrier
- Litter tray and supplies (for cats)
- Medications (with several days’ supply)
Make sure your pet is familiar and comfortable with their carrier before an emergency arises.
Evacuation Planning
Think through your evacuation plan in advance:
- Can your pets safely travel in your vehicle?
- If relying on others, will they allow pets?
- Identify pet-friendly accommodation outside risk areas
- Check availability of boarding facilities
Managing Noise & Storm Anxiety
Storms and fireworks can cause extreme fear in pets. Animals may attempt to escape, injuring themselves or becoming lost.
To help your pet cope:
- Monitor weather forecasts and local events
- Exercise your dog before storms or fireworks to reduce excess energy
- Keep pets indoors in a safe, secure environment
- Remain calm and continue normal routines
- Allow your pet to stay close to you or hide if they prefer
- Provide distractions such as toys or food-based enrichment
- Never punish fearful behaviour
- Do not tie pets up, as this can lead to serious injury
- Ensure microchip details are current
Some pets may benefit from calming aids such as Adaptil calming pheromone products for dogs.
If You Must Leave Pets Behind
This should always be a last resort, but if unavoidable:
- Place pets in separate, secure rooms
- Do not tie them up
- Use small internal rooms such as bathrooms or laundries
- Avoid garages, which are unsafe in high winds
- Leave bedding and familiar items
- Provide several days’ food and water in stable containers
- Ensure access to higher ground if flooding is possible
- Leave clear instructions and your contact details for emergency services
Our Commitment
During a cyclone, our clinic will close to ensure the safety of our team.
We are equipped with backup power and aim to resume services as soon as it is safe. Following severe weather events, we prioritise urgent care for injured or unwell pets as quickly as possible.
Be Prepared
Cyclones, storms, and fireworks are unavoidable—but being prepared makes all the difference.
Take the time now to organise your plan, check your supplies, and ensure your pets are protected.