Cyclone Preparation: Keeping Your Pets Safe

Table of Contents

• Cyclone Preparation: Keeping Your Pets Safe
• Make Sure They’re Easy to Find
• Pack a Pet Emergency Kit
• Set Up a Safe Spot at Home
• Plan for a Quick Getaway
• Stay in the Loop
• After the Storm
• Why Nutrition Matters in a Pinch
• Extra Help When You Need It
• A Story That Hits Home
• Don’t Wait—Start Now
• Numbers to Know

 

 

 

Cyclone Preparation: Keeping Your Pets Safe

Cyclone season in Australia is always a wild ride, but 2025 is kicking things up a notch with Tropical Cyclone Alfred bearing down on us. As of March 5, this Category 2 beast is churning about 325 kilometers east of Brisbane, packing winds up to 120 km/h and threatening up to 700 mm of rain.

Southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales are bracing for impact, with forecasts pointing to a landfall sometime between late Friday night and early Saturday morning, March 7-8. The Queensland Government’s “Get Ready Queensland” folks are urging everyone to get their act together—think destructive winds, heavy flooding, and storm surges that could swamp coastal spots.

For pet owners, especially in cyclone-prone areas like Queensland, this isn’t just about battening down the hatches for ourselves—it’s about keeping our furry crew safe too. Whether it’s carving out a cozy hideaway or packing an emergency kit, a little effort now can save a lot of heartache later. Freeze Dry Australia, the pros behind some top-notch freeze-dried pet food, are here to help with practical tips and nutrition that’ll keep your pets going strong, no matter what Alfred throws our way.

 

 

Identify a safe and secure area within your home where your pet can take shelter during the cyclone. This space should be away from windows and doors, preferably in an interior room. Familiarise your pet with this space ahead of time so they feel more comfortable during stressful situations.  – Emergencyvet

 

Make Sure They’re Easy to Find

When a cyclone hits, things can get chaotic fast. Pets get spooked, they bolt, and suddenly you’re wondering how you’ll ever find them again. That’s why ID is your best friend.

• Microchipping: Get your pet microchipped if they aren’t already, and double-check that your contact info is current with the registry. It’s a small step that massively boosts the odds of a reunion.
• Collars and Tags: Slap a sturdy collar on them with up-to-date ID tags—your phone number, address, the works. Give it a quick once-over now and then to make sure it’s not frayed or slipping off.
• If They Go Missing: Don’t waste time. Call the RSPCA QLD Lost & Found Team at 1300 363 736, let your local council know, and poke around online spots like PetRescue or council lost pet pages.

Having this sorted ahead of time? It’s a weight off your shoulders when the wind starts roaring.

Don’t have a pet tag? Checkout this DIY Temporary pet tag idea from The Blissfuldog

 

 

Pack a Pet Emergency Kit

You wouldn’t head into a storm without a plan, so don’t leave your pet hanging either. A solid emergency kit keeps them fed, comfy, and looked after, no matter what. Here’s the rundown:

• Food and Water: Stash at least a week’s worth of grub and H2O. Freeze-dried stuff from Freeze Dry Australia is a game-changer—light as a feather, no nasty preservatives, and it lasts forever without skimping on the good stuff.
• Meds: Got a pet on meds? Pack two weeks’ worth, with clear instructions, and tuck it all in a waterproof container.
• Paperwork: Grab copies of their vaccination records, medical history, and a recent pic, then seal them up in a waterproof bag. It’s a lifesaver for ID or vet visits.
• Gear: Toss in a leash, harness, solid carrier, some bedding, a couple of fave toys, poop bags, and a pet first aid kit. Keeps their routine steady and their stress low.

Get this kit ready now, and you won’t be caught flat-footed when the rain starts hammering.

 

“Following previous emergencies, people reported placing themselves in danger to protect their animals. This can be avoided through early preparation and action” – Naturalhazards

 

Set Up a Safe Spot at Home

If you’re hunkering down during a cyclone, your pet needs a safe nook to chill in.

• Pick an inside room—no windows—like the bathroom or laundry. It’s your best bet against flying junk or smashing glass.
• Make it homey with their usual blanket or a toy they love. Pets can sense when we’re rattled, so a bit of comfort goes far.
• Cats stay inside, full stop, and don’t even think about tying pets up outside—panicked animals can hurt themselves or get stuck facing the worst of it.
• Use heavy bowls for food and water so they don’t tip over when the wind’s rattling everything.
• Lock down anything outside—chairs, tools, whatever—that could turn into a missile.

A snug, secure spot keeps them calm while the storm does its thing.

 

 

Plan for a Quick Getaway

Sometimes staying put isn’t an option, and you’ve got to get out. A little planning makes evacuating with your pet way less hairy.

• Pet-Friendly Spots: Scout out evacuation shelters, hotels, or boarding places that’ll take your pet. Not everywhere does, so have a shortlist handy.
• Travel Prep: Grab a carrier or restraint that fits your pet’s size and vibe. Practice popping them in so it’s not a wrestling match on the day.
• Rehearse: Run through your escape plan with them—routes, routines, all of it. It’s less scary when you both know the drill.
• Go Early: When the authorities say move, don’t dawdle. Beat the traffic and the chaos by hitting the road ASAP.

Having this locked in could be the difference between a close call and a smooth exit.

 

 

Prepare an animal emergency kit, which should include a harness and a leash, a carrier for small animals, food for at least a week (that need not be refrigerated), food and water bowls, a copy of your animal companions’ medical records, and clear instructions for the treatment of any medical conditions. If you have a cat, also include litter and a small litter tray. – Peta

 

Stay in the Loop

When a cyclone’s brewing, knowing what’s coming is half the battle.

• Keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology or local news for the latest weather updates.
• Listen to the pros—follow evacuation orders or safety tips from local authorities.
• Stash a battery-powered radio somewhere handy for updates if the power cuts out.

Staying clued in means you’re always ready to act when it counts.

After the Storm

The cyclone might be gone, but the mess it leaves behind can still cause trouble. Here’s how to keep your pet out of harm’s way:

• Check your place—inside and out—for nasties like broken glass, downed wires, or puddles before letting them roam.
• Watch out for wildlife—snakes or other critters might’ve washed up looking for dry ground, and curious pets don’t mix well with that.
• Keep an eye on your pet for stress signals (pacing, whimpering) or cuts and scrapes. Hit up a vet if something’s off.
• Spot injured wildlife? Call 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) to get them help without putting your pet at risk.

Take it slow after the storm—safety first while you all bounce back.

 

 

Why Nutrition Matters in a Pinch

Good food isn’t just a treat—it’s a lifeline when things go sideways. Freeze Dry Australia’s freeze-dried pet food brings some serious perks:

• Lasts Ages: Made from top-notch Aussie ingredients, it stays fresh for years, no preservatives needed. Stockpile it and forget it.
• Packed with Goodness: Freeze-drying keeps all the nutrients—like Taurine—intact, way better than canned stuff or kibble that fades over time.
• Easy to Carry: Super light, it’s a no-brainer for evacuation kits without cutting corners on quality.
• Gentle on Sensitivities: Grain-free and great for tricky diets, it’s a win for pets with allergies.

Pop it in airtight, waterproof containers and stash it somewhere cool and dry. With Freeze Dry Australia, your pet’s not just surviving—they’re thriving, storm or no storm.

 

 

Extra Help When You Need It

Want more pointers? Check out these go-to resources:

• Emergency Kit Checklist – Queensland Government
• Pet Disaster Preparedness – American Red Cross
• Prepare Your Pets for Disasters – Ready.gov
• Pet Emergency Kit Checklist – CDC
• Disaster Preparedness – ASPCA
• Get Ready Queensland

They’ve got solid advice to round out your prep.

A Story That Hits Home

Think this is all just theory? Ask Sarah from Queensland. She faced Cyclone Debbie in 2017 with her dog Max. “I had his emergency kit sorted, packed with pet food,” she says. “When we had to bail, I didn’t stress about his meals going bad or running low. He stayed perky and well-fed through it all.” Real stories like hers show why preparation—and decent food—matters.

 

 

Don’t Wait—Start Now

Cyclones don’t send RSVP’s, so get moving. Dust off your pet emergency plans and kits, tweak them as needed, and keep them current. Swing by Freeze Dry Australia’s site for their awesome freeze-dried pet food and treats—made in HACCP and PRIMESAFE certified facilities right here in Australia. Sign up for their newsletter too; you’ll get handy safety tips and updates straight from Coolum Beach, QLD.

Your pets are part of the crew—make sure they’re covered in your disaster plans. With Freeze Dry Australia’s quality nutrition in your corner, you’re not just protecting them—you’re setting them up to handle anything.

Numbers to Know

• RSPCA QLD Lost & Found Team: 1300 363 736
• Wildlife Rescue: 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625)
• State Emergency Services (SES): 132 500