Advice on managing animals in disasters

Three people tragically died when floodwater swept through Dungog in 2015. One of them was a local resident who was trapped in her home after she refused to leave the pets she loved. 

Research shows people are less likely to evacuate if their animals are not safe, and many risk their lives to rescue them. The wellbeing of animals is also a predictor for community resilience and psychological recovery after an event. 

With more than 73% of Australians owning animals, Centre-funded research led to the creation in 2024 of a new Planning for Animals Handbook as part of the Australian Disaster Resilience Handbook Collection.    

The handbook lays out recommended steps for animal owners, from understanding triggers for evacuation to working with the local community and other stakeholders and forming a plan to manage animals during an emergency. 

It also recommends inclusion of the veterinary sector as a major stakeholder in emergency planning and preparedness. 

Registered Veterinary Nurse Ms Erica Honey, who runs a consultancy that helps veterinary practices and government agencies prepare for disasters, was a contributor to the handbook. 

She says its advice will help communities better prepare for managing their animals during events, and also to recover afterwards.  

‘Humans and animals are inextricably linked,’ Ms Honey says.  

‘Integrating animals into emergency management planning and practice is critical to human health and safety, as well as the economy and the environment. The result is increased emergency resilience through culture change.'

Acknowledging our funders and partners

• NSW State Emergency Service
• Queensland Fire Department
• Macquarie University
• Queensland University of Technology
• The University of Southern Queensland