Pure Souls Journal
Wet Season Pet Emergency Plan for Townsville
A calm, practical guide to keeping your pet safe through storms, cyclones and floods in Townsville.
In short
- Plan your pet evacuation before the wet season starts. It is much harder in an emergency.
- Pets are not allowed in the Public Cyclone Shelter. Only assistance animals can enter.
- Check the Townsville Disaster Dashboard for live updates during any event.
“The best time to plan for your pet is before the storm arrives.”
Townsville’s wet season can bring cyclones, storms and flooding with little warning. When it does, having a pet evacuation plan ready makes every decision easier and keeps your whole family safer.
This guide walks you through what to prepare, where pets can shelter and what to do after the storm, so your pet evacuation is calm rather than rushed. It is based on Townsville City Council’s advice for animals in disasters. On the day, always follow the directions of emergency services.
Your Pet Evacuation Plan, Step by Step
A little preparation now means your pet evacuation will not be a scramble when a warning is issued.
01
Update their ID
Make sure your pet is microchipped and wears a collar with a name tag. Check that your contact details on the microchip register are up to date.
02
Pack a grab-and-go kit
Pack a pet evacuation kit: food and water for several days, bowls, medication, a first aid kit, waste bags or litter, and copies of vet records in a waterproof bag.
03
Get a carrier they know
A sturdy, fully enclosed carrier or crate is needed at places of refuge and evacuation centres, and makes any pet evacuation safer. Let your pet get used to it now so it feels safe.
04
Plan where they will stay
Ask family or friends outside the risk area, or book a kennel or cattery early. Keep a list of pet-friendly contacts and your vet’s number.
05
Know your zone
Find out if your home is in a storm tide or flood-prone area, and follow warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology and the Townsville Disaster Dashboard.
06
Leave early
If you may need to evacuate, move your pets early. Leaving late is more dangerous for you and for them.
Pet Evacuation: Where Pets Can Shelter
Shelter options for pets during a disaster in Townsville, based on council guidance. Arrangements can change during an event, so always check the latest updates.
Public Cyclone Shelter
Pets are not permitted. Only assistance animals can enter, so plan another option for your pet.
Place of Refuge
If you shelter with your pet, you will be directed to a facility named by the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group at the time.
Evacuation centres
Owners are asked to try boarding first. Pets must stay in an enclosed carrier and out of eating and sleeping areas.
Friends and family
Staying with someone outside the risk area is often the calmest option for your pet. Arrange it before the season starts.
Kennels and catteries
Book early when a warning is issued, as boarding can fill quickly during an event.
Disaster Dashboard
Live warnings, local plans and temporary animal shelter arrangements during an event.
If You Have to Leave Your Pet
Sometimes a full pet evacuation is not possible and leaving your pet behind cannot be avoided. If that happens:
- Keep them indoors if you can, in the safest room of the house.
- Never tie them up outside or leave them in a vehicle.
- Leave large, heavy bowls of food and plenty of water.
- Tell your neighbours how to contact you and what your pet needs.
- Leave a note on your front door for Emergency Services, saying which animals are inside.
After the Storm
Pets can be frightened and confused after a storm, flood or pet evacuation. Let them out into a closed area at first, and check your yard for damage, debris and floodwater before letting them roam.
If your pet goes missing, check council’s Lost and Found Pets page and contact the Townsville Animal Care and Adoption Centre on (07) 4727 8371.
Look after yourself too. Disasters are stressful, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed.
Pet Evacuation: Common Questions
Can I take my pet to the Public Cyclone Shelter?
No. Only assistance animals are allowed in the Public Cyclone Shelter. Pet owners who need to shelter with their animals are directed to a Place of Refuge named by council at the time, so include this in your pet evacuation plan.
What should I pack for my pet?
For a pet evacuation to a place of refuge, bring a fully enclosed carrier, collar and lead, medication, food and water for your stay, bowls, waste supplies and copies of vet records. A dog on a lead alone is not enough at a place of refuge.
Where can I find live updates?
The Townsville Disaster Dashboard shares warnings, local plans and temporary animal shelter arrangements during an event.
What if my pet goes missing?
Check council’s Lost and Found Pets page and call the Animal Care and Adoption Centre on (07) 4727 8371. An up-to-date microchip makes it much easier to be reunited.
Should I leave my pet at home?
Only if you have no other option. Keep them indoors, never tied up or in a car, with plenty of food and water, and leave a note on your door for Emergency Services.
What if my pet passes away during a storm or flood?
We are so sorry if this happens. Keep your pet somewhere cool if you can, and call us on 07 3519 4990 when it is safe to do so. We are available 24/7 and will gently guide you through what comes next.
Can I take my pet to the Public Cyclone Shelter?
No. Only assistance animals are allowed in the Public Cyclone Shelter. Pet owners who need to shelter with their animals are directed to a Place of Refuge named by council at the time, so include this in your pet evacuation plan.
What should I pack for my pet?
For a pet evacuation to a place of refuge, bring a fully enclosed carrier, collar and lead, medication, food and water for your stay, bowls, waste supplies and copies of vet records. A dog on a lead alone is not enough at a place of refuge.
Where can I find live updates?
The Townsville Disaster Dashboard shares warnings, local plans and temporary animal shelter arrangements during an event.
What if my pet goes missing?
Check council’s Lost and Found Pets page and call the Animal Care and Adoption Centre on (07) 4727 8371. An up-to-date microchip makes it much easier to be reunited.
Should I leave my pet at home?
Only if you have no other option. Keep them indoors, never tied up or in a car, with plenty of food and water, and leave a note on your door for Emergency Services.
What if my pet passes away during a storm or flood?
We are so sorry if this happens. Keep your pet somewhere cool if you can, and call us on 07 3519 4990 when it is safe to do so. We are available 24/7 and will gently guide you through what comes next.
We Are Here, Day or Night
Whenever you need us, call us or send us a message. We will gently guide you through every step, at your pace.
