Facing extreme weather conditions or having to leave your premises immediately (or without notice) can be an incredibly stressful time for the whole family, including our furry companions. To help keep your pets safe in an emergency, we’ve put together this guide: 

Before the flood: preparation 

  • Ensure proper identification: Ensure your pets have up-to-date identification tags and are microchipped. Each Australian state has specific regulations regarding pet microchipping and registration.  
     
  • Maintain heartworm preventatives: Heavy rainfall can increase mosquito populations, elevating the risk of heartworm disease in pets. Ensure your pet’s heartworm prevention injections or monthly medications are up to date to reduce this risk.  
     
    Additionally, Queensland vets have reported a rise in ear infections following recent floods. After Tropical Cyclone Jasper triggered flooding in northern Australia in December 2023, PetSure data showed that claims for ear infections spiked by 30% in January 2024 compared to the 12-month average. 
     
    To help reduce the risk of ear conditions during floods, keep your pet’s ears dry by gently wiping them after outdoor exposure, especially in breeds prone to ear irritations. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner regularly but avoid deep cleaning with cotton swabs. Limit contact with floodwater, and if exposure occurs, rinse and dry their ears thoroughly. Watch for symptoms like head shaking, scratching, redness, or odor, and seek veterinary advice at the first signs of infection to prevent complications. 
     
  • Secure pet supplies: Assemble a waterproof emergency kit containing safe drinking water, pet food, medications, bowls, bedding, and other essentials. Store this kit in an easily accessible location.  
     
  • Plan your evacuation route: Identify safe evacuation routes that accommodate pets. Coordinate with neighbours and local authorities and be aware of your community’s emergency assembly points.  
     
  • Acquire basic first aid knowledge: In emergencies, immediate veterinary assistance may not be available. Equip yourself with basic pet first aid knowledge through courses offered by organisations like the Australian Red Cross and RSPCA. Additionally, consider vet telehealth through VetChat™ for real-time professional advice if you’re unable to visit a clinic. 

During the flood: immediate actions 

  • Bring pets indoors: Keep pets inside well before floodwaters arrive to prevent them from getting lost or injured.  
     
  • Prepare pet carriers: Ensure pet carriers are accessible and in good condition to facilitate safe evacuation if necessary.  
     
  • Maintain sanitary conditions: Set up disposal bags and bins for pet waste to keep indoor areas sanitary. 
     
  • Create a calm environment: Provide a familiar and comfortable space for pets to help reduce stress during the flood.  
     
  • Separate animals if necessary: If you have multiple pets, consider separating them to prevent conflicts and minimise stress.  
     
  • Pet-proof safe areas: Ensure refuge areas are free from hazards and toxic substances to keep pets safe. 

After the flood: ensuring safety 

  • Inspect the area: Before allowing pets outside, check your home and surroundings for hazards, debris, toxins, and contamination.  
     
  • Report missing pets: If a pet goes missing during the flood, promptly notify emergency services, local veterinarians, and animal shelters for assistance.  
     
  • Seek veterinary care: Even if your pet appears unharmed, schedule a veterinary check-up to address any potential health concerns.  

If you need to leave your pet behind 

If evacuation is necessary and you cannot take your pet:  

  • Do not tether pets: Avoid tying or tethering pets, as this can prevent them from escaping rising waters.  
     
  • Provide shelter and supplies: Ensure pets have access to shelter away from primary and secondary dangers, such as collapsing structures or falling debris. Provide sufficient food and water in containers that won’t tip over.  
     
  • Secure indoor areas: If keeping pets indoors, place them in a secure room without windows, harmful chemicals, or items that could cause injury.  
     
  • Notify authorities: Inform local veterinarians, emergency workers, RSPCA, and animal shelters that your pet is still at home. Keeping your pet’s microchip details current will aid in reunification if they escape and are found.  

In light of the severe weather conditions posed by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, PetSure has extended emergency assistance to support pet parents that may be impacted by this extreme weather event. See here.

ABOUT PETSURE:  

PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (“PetSure”) is Australia’s leading pet insurer. For over 20 years, PetSure has been the market leader in both size and innovation. PetSure issues and administers the pet insurance policies of over 20 partner brands.  

As the category leader, and in close collaboration with members of the veterinary industry, PetSure continually seeks to extend coverage, keep pace with modern veterinary practices, and provide pet insurance policies that are transparent and operate with the highest levels of integrity.  

In March 2023, PetSure obtained its own APRA general insurance license, making it the first general insurer in Australia that’s fully dedicated to pet insurance. PetSure is committed to the long-term growth and sustainability of the pet insurance category.  

Disclaimer:  

Insurance products are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard) and/or PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) (from 8th May 2023 only), administered by PetSure and promoted and distributed through their authorised representatives and distribution partners. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to decide if a product is right for you. PDS and Target Market Determination are available from the relevant partner’s website.         

Pet insurance can help by covering a portion of the eligible vet bill if the unexpected happens. Because it is difficult to predict the costs of veterinary care, it can help to have measures in place to help prepare for the unexpected. Check out our partner network and explore our policy tools to find a pet insurance policy.

Not all conditions or items are covered by Pet Insurance. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for information about coverage and exclusions.

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