Flood Season in Launceston: How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Winter

Parts of Launceston, including Invermay, Newstead and East Launceston, sit within flood-risk zones along the South Esk and North Esk rivers. Winter rainfall can trigger flood warnings with limited notice. The Tasmania SES explicitly advises residents to include pets in their evacuation plans.

Dr Kristina Fisher

Veterinarian, BVMS

Which Suburbs Are Most at Risk

Major flooding of the South Esk River is the primary flood risk for central Launceston. A combined South Esk and North Esk event increases risk significantly across multiple suburbs. High-risk areas within Adventure Vets' service area include:

Invermay: protected by levees, but subject to mandatory evacuation if the South Esk reaches major flood height
Newstead: sits in a significant floodplain along the North Esk
East Launceston and city river-edge areas: subject to rapid inundation if levees are overtopped
Longford: the South Esk passes through and has reached major flood levels in past events

Launceston narrowly avoided a major flood event in 2022, following a significant event in 2016.

What to Include in Your Pet Emergency Plan

The Tasmania SES advises all residents in levee-protected areas to prepare an emergency plan that covers their pets. Key steps:

Identify where your pet will go if evacuation is called. Not all emergency centres accept animals
Keep a pet emergency kit ready with food, water, medication, vaccination records and a carrier or lead
Ensure your dog is microchipped and registered. This is how lost pets are reunited with owners after flood events
Have your vet's contact number saved, including an after-hours option
Know your evacuation trigger. For Invermay, a voluntary evacuation is recommended at a moderate flood warning on the South Esk. A mandatory evacuation follows at major flood level

During a Flood Event

Never leave pets behind if an evacuation is called
Keep cats contained indoors as soon as a flood watch is issued. Frightened cats that escape during an emergency are rarely found quickly
Do not let dogs swim in or near floodwater. It is typically contaminated and carries hidden currents and debris
Check TasALERT at alert.tas.gov.au and listen to ABC Local Radio for real-time updates

After the Water Recedes

Floodwater leaves hazards behind that affect pets as much as people:

Contaminated soil and puddles that dogs may drink from or walk through
Displaced wildlife seeking shelter in unusual places
Rodenticide and bait stations disturbed from neighbouring properties
Debris and sharp materials in yards and on footpaths

Keep dogs on a lead and cats indoors until your property has been fully assessed.