Guide, Australia

Pet emergency kit for Australian homes

How we wrote this: researched from the public sources listed at the end of the page. General information, not medical or legal advice. Last checked 2 November 2026.

In bushfire and flood season, leaving early is the safest choice, and leaving early is much easier when the pets' things are already in one bag. RSPCA ACT's Ready To Go checklist asks every household to agree a pet plan, keep the checklist on the fridge and practise the evacuation with the pets included.

What to pack

Drawing on RSPCA ACT and the Ready.gov pet list:

Water for several days and a travel bowl.
Food for several days in a sealed container.
Regular medicines and a copy of vet records and microchip details.
A collar with ID, a lead and a harness, plus a spare.
A carrier for each animal.
Waste bags, litter, paper towel.
A recent photo of you with your pet.
A familiar blanket or toy.

Water and food on the move

Carry them and keep them close

The one box answer

The Pet 72-hour kit packs a dog water bottle with bowl, a folding travel bowl, a lead and harness set, a reflective lead and a carrier backpack.

Pet 72-hour kitWater, bowls, leads and a carrier backpackSee details and price

Include them in the plan

If you cannot take your pets, RSPCA ACT suggests leaving a clear message for emergency services saying where they are. Arrange a pet friendly place to go with family or friends ahead of time. Write it all into the free 72-Hour Family Plan, watch warnings on the Situation screen, and read the bug out bag list for the people's bag.

FAQ

What goes in a pet emergency kit? Water and food for several days, bowls, medicines and records, ID, leads, a carrier, waste bags, a photo with your pet and a familiar item.

When should I leave with my pets? Early. Get Ready advises following your plan and leaving early in bushfire risk.

What if I cannot take my pets? Leave a clear note for emergency services saying where the animals are, as RSPCA ACT suggests.