8 tips to protect your pet after a flood

With pets displaced and their homes and families affected, it is important animals are safely integrated when they go back home and monitored closely. 

Our top tips for protecting pets immediately after a natural disaster are: 

1. Clean water sources. Be aware that if you have any dams or ponds that your pets drink from that they might be contaminated. Try to avoid them drinking from these and monitor them closely.

2. Clear hazards on your property. Assess your property for debris, dead animals or any other hazards before moving your pets back in. Contact your local council if you are unsure about or unable to remove any hazards you identify.

3. Create a calm environment. Favourite toys and blankets can help reduce stress following a flood if your family experienced distressing events such as evacuation. Also, avoid loud noises from machinery.

4. Monitor your pets. Continue to monitor your pets for any injuries they may have sustained. Even better, organise a check-up at the vet.

And our top tips for protecting pets in the months following a natural disaster are: 

5. Re-stock your disaster planning kit. This includes topping up your first aid kit, as well as re-stocking emergency food and sanitation supplies that may have been used. If you don’t already have one, visit protectyourpet.org.au to get your free disaster pack and start planning for your pet today.

6. Review and improve your disaster plan. If you experienced an evacuation or similar, review anything that could be improved in this process and practice it.

7. Update your pet’s ID. If you’ve changed address following the disaster, update their microchip and name tags. This also includes if their name tags are damaged.

8. Build an Animal Ready Community. NSW State Emergency Service has resources to help communities in come together to promote animal preparedness in emergencies, applicable to any state or territory. Communities like the Blue Mountains (NSW) already have an active ‘Animal Ready Community’ Facebook group sharing resources.

Ben Pearson, Executive Director at World Animal Protection said: 

“It’s crucial to have a disaster plan for your pets in case of a flood, and it’s equally important to ensure the effects of a fire do not impact their health in the months after,” she said. 

“Debris and contaminated water sources can pose serious threats to our pets and taking necessary safety measures before your pet is moved back onto your property will ensure they’re looked after.” 

Animals are often the forgotten victims of natural disasters