Globally, there is increasing recognition of the importance of incorporating animals into emergency management planning.  Hurricane Katrina, which affected the gulf coast of the USA in 2005, thrust this issue into the spotlight, highlighting how the human-animal bond can significantly impact upon, and sometimes hamper emergency management and evacuations. Across Australia, the generally accepted convention is that “the individual in charge of an animal is ultimately responsible for its welfare in disasters”, and this convention is included in most advice on preparing for an emergency in Australia. However, in a remote Indigenous community context, the ability of pet owners to care for their pets in emergency situations is often compromised by a range of socio-economic and geographic factors. Accordingly, alternative care arrangements need to be factored into emergency management planning, for the welfare of animals but also ultimately for the safety of those who love them.  

Recognising the need for contextually relevant guidance to be developed, AMRRIC secured funding through the NT Risk Reduction Program to develop resources to assist in the emergency management of companion animals in remote Indigenous communities.   

This page serves as a hub for information on emergency management of companion animals in remote Indigenous communities and will be regularly updated with new links and resources as they are developed.  AMRRIC welcomes feedback and suggestions for improving the resources available. 

Local Government Companion Animal Emergency Management Planning Resources

Cyclone

Flooding

Heatwave