Community News - Pet weather safety

RSPCA Queensland and Get Ready Queensland have partnered to raise awareness around animal welfare during extreme weather. Pet Ready is a joint initiative that provides Queensland pet owners with handy resources to help better protect their pets during storms, floods, cyclones and fires.

With summer arriving and Christmas seeing a spike in pet ownership, Queenslanders are being reminded about the risks that disaster events and severe heat pose to animals.

Pet owners are encouraged to visit getready.qld.gov.au/plan and download the RSPCA/Get Ready Queensland Pet Severe Weather Emergency Plan. On the website you’ll also find information and tips on preparing for disasters.

The Pet Severe Weather Emergency Plan steps you through everything you need to think about for your pet ahead of a significant weather event.

This includes capturing important information about your pet’s identity, preferences, behaviour, diet and medical requirements, evacuation plans, and what’s needed for their emergency kit.

"Put a plan in place early so you don't get caught out and speak with friends and family to have a back-up plan if you need to get your animals to safety," suggests Emma Lagoon, RSPCA Qld Spokesperson.

The devastating events experienced across Queensland last summer reminded us how quickly things can turn for the worse and why we need to Get Ready for the unexpected, and that includes keeping our pets safe.

For information on animal safety in extreme weather, please visit the RSPCA Queensland and Get Ready Queensland websites.