NSW floods: Pet Insurance Australia shares essential tips to keep pets safe in severe weather - and what to do if they go missing

As heavy rain, flash flooding and damaging winds impact parts of New South Wales, Pet Insurance Australia is urging pet owners to put safety first and prepare a simple plan to protect their furry family members during severe weather and flood conditions. NSW SES has responded to hundreds of requests for help over the weekend, with flood rescues carried out across affected areas. 

“Floodwater isn’t just ‘rainwater’ — it can carry sewage, chemicals, sharp debris, and disease. A few small steps now can prevent a heartbreaking emergency later,” said Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia.

Key pet safety tips during storms and flooding

1) Keep cats safely indoors

• Stress, noise and rising water can cause cats to bolt or hide. Keep them inside, close windows/screens, and set up a quiet room with litter, water, and bedding.
• If evacuation is possible, have a secure carrier ready and keep it accessible (not in a garage/shed that may flood).

2) Keep dogs away from puddles, drains and floodwater

• Avoid walking dogs through puddles, stormwater run-off, flooded parks, creeks and beaches after heavy rain.

“Floodwater can be contaminated with animal urine and runoff, increasing the risk of leptospirosis, a serious bacterial disease that dogs can be exposed to through contaminated water or mud,” Crighton warns. “If your dog does get wet, rinse paws/belly with clean water, dry them thoroughly, and monitor for signs of illness and always call your vet if concerned.”

3) Build a “grab-and-go” pet evacuation kit (today, not later)
Include:

• 3–7 days of food + bowls + bottled water
• Medications + copies of prescriptions
• Leash/harness + a spare lead; cat carrier
• ID tags, vaccination records, recent photo, microchip details
• Bedding/blanket, towels, waste bags, litter + tray
• A muzzle can be useful for injured/stressed dogs (only if your dog is already muzzle-trained)

“Many pet experts suggest having a dedicated emergency pack and practising your plan, so that you’re not scrambling in a real event.”

4) Don’t leave pets tethered or outdoors “to guard the house”
Rising water can trap tethered pets quickly. Bring them inside early and keep them secured.

5) Watch the hidden hazards after the rain

• Debris & sharp objects: nails, glass, fencing wire in washed-out areas
• Electrical danger: fallen powerlines and water don’t mix
• Blue-green algae risks can rise in warm, stagnant water (avoid letting dogs drink from unknown sources)
• Wildlife displacement: snakes and other animals may move into drier areas, keep dogs on-lead and supervise backyard time.

If you’re told to evacuate

• Evacuate early where possible; don’t wait until roads are cut. Follow SES warnings and instructions and avoid driving through floodwater.

“If staying with family/friends, confirm pets can come too,” Crighton says. “If you may need temporary accommodation, identify pet-friendly options now.”

What to do if your pet goes missing during floods or storms

Act fast and go wide (but safely):

1. Search nearby first: frightened pets often hide close to home (under decks, sheds, neighbours’ bushes).
2. Call local vets, council pounds, and shelters (many found pets are handed in quickly after storms).
3. Report them missing via local council/pound processes and update your pet’s microchip contact details as soon as possible.
4. Post a clear recent photo and key details (name, suburb, microchip number if you’re comfortable, temperament).
5. Use scent cues: place familiar bedding or worn clothing outside (under cover) to help them find home.
6. If flooding is active, don’t enter flood zones, wait for conditions to be safe and coordinate with local services.

“Microchips and clear ID tags are the difference between a missing pet and a fast reunion. After severe weather, pets can turn up kilometres away,” Crighton said.

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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