At RSPCA NSW, we believe that, just like any other family member, our animal companions deserve care and protection during emergencies. Being prepared can make all the difference, ensuring animals can be safely evacuated without unnecessary delays.
With Tropical Cyclone Alfred forming and threatening parts of New South Wales, now is the time to prepare before conditions deteriorate.
Stay informed and act early
With Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s path still developing, stay updated on weather alerts and official warnings. Don’t wait until the last minute to act—early preparation can save lives. If evacuation orders are given, follow them immediately.
Download the Hazards Near Me App which will include the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.
Other community services for important updates are:
NSW State Emergency Services (NSW SES)
Prepare an emergency kit for your animals
Just like you would pack an emergency kit for yourself, your animals need one too. Make sure it includes:
- Food and water (at least three days’ supply)
- Medications and veterinary records
- Sturdy carriers, leads, or halters
- Familiar bedding and comfort items
- Litter, poo bags, or other waste disposal supplies
- Identification tags and microchip details
Advice for livestock owners
When creating your emergency plan, you should include how to transport all your animals if needed. Ensure you have suitable yards, loading facilities, and vehicles ready. If you need to move many animals, it’s helpful to build a network of neighbours, other livestock owners, and transport providers who can assist during emergencies. Having strong community ties is important.
When evacuating livestock, never risk the safety of yourself, others, or the animals. Avoid transporting them during active emergencies or in high-risk situations.
For livestock owners, it’s crucial to identify large animal evacuation centres in your area, typically located at showgrounds. If you’re unfamiliar with these sites, consider visiting them beforehand to familiarise yourself with the entrance and exit points, grounds, and facilities. Knowing the layout can make accessing these centres during an emergency much less stressful.
If livestock are staying on the property, ensure they have shelter with enough space for each animal and appropriate shelter from extreme weather. Attach ID tags with a contact number securely to the mane of horses or other livestock. These tags should be prepared in advance and kept in the emergency kit.
Plan your evacuation route
Identify where you can safely evacuate with your animals before Tropical Cyclone Alfred arrives. Evacuation information is starting to become available through NSW SES channels. Familiarise yourself with the evacuation centres located near you and ensure they are pet friendly. If you have larger animals, like horses or livestock, ensure you have a transport plan and know where they can be safely relocated.
Secure your property for animals staying at home
If evacuation isn’t possible, make sure your animals have the best chance of survival:
- Move them to higher ground if flooding is a risk
- Provide secure shelter
- Don’t tether animals outside if possible – they may do themselves more harm trying to break free
- Provide plenty of access to water and food in heavy bowls if outdoors and ensure objects in your yard are tied down
- Ensure identification is up to date in case they become lost
Good animal etiquette at Evacuation Centres
- Pay attention to site staff and follow on-site instructions
- Ensure companion animals and horses have proper identification, such as a microchip, or identification tags, and verify that the microchip is registered with a licensed registry
- Upon arrival at an evacuation centre, attach luggage tags to the horse’s halter, displaying the horse’s name, owner’s name, and contact number for easy identification
- Notify the evacuation centre staff upon arrival if your animals are not vaccinated
- Keep pets in crates or on a lead at all times
- Cover your animal’s crate with a towel to provide a secure space for them to relax and rest
- Maintain their regular feeding routine to minimise stress and prevent digestive issues.
- If your pet is unwell, contact your local vet and inform site staff of your concerns
- Keep them away from other people and animals to reduce stress and to ensure everyone’s safety
- Don’t assume other animals are comfortable with social interaction
- Exercise animals in designated areas
- Clean up after your animals, including immediately cleaning enclosures, carriers and toileting areas
- Avoid sharing water sources between your horse or livestock and other animals to reduce the risk of illness
- You will be required to stay with your animals, so keep this in mind
Who do I contact when I lose or find a pet, wildlife or need assistance with livestock?
During floods and heavy rainfall, animals may become displaced or lost when homes, sheds and fences are damaged or destroyed. Lost animals should be returned to their home property or correct ownership as soon as possible and appropriate care and treatment for any disease or injury provided.
- If you need assistance with animal rescue during a flood emergency, call the NSW SES on 132 500
- For sick or injured pets contact your local veterinarian.
- For lost and found companion animals, contact your local council
- If you have lost or see displaced livestock, contact the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
- For injured wildlife contact WIRES on 1300 094 737
What is RSPCA NSW doing?
RSPCA NSW is on high alert, closely monitoring the situation and working with emergency services. Our Inspectorate and Emergency Response Team are on standby, prepared to respond where possible.
For more information visit our Emergency Preparedness page.
