There are many reasons you and your pets may have to evacuate your house. Some examples are:

  • fires
  • chemical spills
  • smoke
  • flooding.

Make sure you and your animals are prepared by following these simple tips.

Make a grab bag

A grab bag is a small bag that is light enough for anyone to carry that will hold the essential items for your animals.

Make sure you store the bag in an easy to reach place. 

Some of the things your grab bag should include are:

  • a lead or carrier for every animal (if these will not all fit in the bag, keep them as close to your bag as possible)
  • any medications your animals need
  • pet food
  • vaccination certificates
  • litter, paper towelling or bedding (if needed)
  • toys.

Complete and display an emergency pet care form

The RSPCA have introduced an emergency pet care form. This can be downloaded and displayed in your home to let people know there are pets inside.

Download the emergency pet care form.

Microchip your animals

By law, you must microchip your dogs. It is also helpful to make sure your cats and rabbits are microchipped too.

In an emergency, strange sights, sounds and smells can cause your pets to become disoriented and lost.

A microchip is the best way to make sure you and your pet are reunited.

Talk to someone you could stay with

Contact family or friends who you do not live with to see if you could stay with them in an emergency or if they could look after your pets if you were unable to.

Speak with your neighbours

If you have a neighbour you trust with a house key, talk to them about rescuing your pets if you are out of the house during an emergency.

Make sure you have a contact number for them so you can keep in touch.

Keep up with your pets' vaccinations

Most animal boarding facilities will not accept unvaccinated pets. By keep your pets' vaccinations up to date, you are:

  • helping them fight off many viruses and diseases
  • able to use an animal boarding service if needed.