Emergency Planning for Pets

If you need to leave your home in an emergency, it’s important to plan ahead for the safety and wellbeing of your pets. Taking a few simple steps in advance can save valuable time and reduce stress if the unexpected happens.

• Make sure your pet can be identified
  Microchipping is strongly recommended and helps ensure pets can be reunited with their owners if separated.
• Keep essential supplies ready 
  Have enough food, water, and any required medication available for your pet.
• Arrange support in advance
  Ask friends, neighbours, or family if they could care for your pet in an emergency.
• Store important documents safely
  Keep vaccination records, veterinary details, and microchip information somewhere secure but easy to access.

If you are unable to stay with friends or family, you may be asked to go to an emergency rest centre. These are usually set up in local facilities such as community halls or leisure centres, and can provide short-term shelter, warmth, food, and basic support.

While space may be limited, every effort will be made to accommodate pets where possible.

In some situations, it may not be possible to take your pets with you. If they must remain at home, ensure their environment is safe and suitable. Leave enough food and water to meet their needs for the time you may be away.

Pets should never be tied up or confined in a way that restricts their movement unnecessarily, as this can cause distress or put them at risk.

If you do have to leave pets behind, place a clear note in a visible window to alert emergency services that animals are inside the property.