Cyclone Alfred: AWLQ site closures and emergency preparation tips

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is rapidly approaching the east coast, with landfall expected this Thursday as a category 2 system. While the exact path remains uncertain, authorities are urging residents from Bundaberg to northern New South Wales to stay alert and take immediate action to prepare for the storm, which is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and potential flooding.

As part of the emergency response, we wish to inform the community that our Animal Rehoming Centres, Op Shops and Community Vet Clinics will be closed as follows:

Wednesday, March 5

Ipswich Rehoming Centre (closed)
Warra Rehoming Centre (closed)
Willawong Rehoming Centre (closed)
Ipswich Community Vet Clinic (closed)
Gold Coast Rehoming Centre (closing at 3pm)
Gold Coast Community Vet Clinic (closing at 3pm)
All AWLQ Op Shops (closed)

Thursday, March 6

Beenleigh Rehoming Centre (closed)
Brisbane Community Vet Clinic (closed)

We anticipate closures through the weekend and will provide updates on reopening as soon as possible.

Tips for cyclone preparation:

Assemble a Pet Emergency Supply Kit:
Make sure you have all essential items for your pet in case of evacuation or sheltering at home. We have created a comprehensive checklist to guide you in preparing your pet’s emergency kit.
🔗 Download our Pet Safety Checklist
Develop an Emergency Action Plan:
Plan ahead for how you will protect your pets in the event of a disaster. This includes knowing how to safely transport them and identifying evacuation locations.
🔗 View our Disaster Preparedness Guide
Stay Informed:
Keep an eye on local weather alerts and official updates, as cyclones can change direction quickly. Stay prepared for any updates to the storm’s path.
Check Pet-Friendly Shelter Options:
If you need to evacuate, ensure you take your pets with you. Research pet-friendly shelters in advance to ensure you know where to go if an evacuation is necessary.
Monitor Local Council Websites & Disaster Dashboards:
Stay informed with real-time updates on evacuation centre locations, road closures, and emergency alerts via your local council’s website or disaster dashboard.

For further safety tips, visit Get Ready Queensland:
🔗 Visit Get Ready QLD website

Additional pet safety recommendations:

Keep pets indoors during storm conditions to protect them from rising waters and debris.
Update your pet’s microchip details to ensure they can be identified if they become lost. If you find a lost pet, if safe to do so, please contain the animal until the event is over. You can contact your local Council for assistance.
Do not tie animals up outside, as they may become injured.
Provide fresh water in heavy containers for animals outdoors.
Secure outdoor furniture and objects that could pose a hazard.

We want to reassure our community that we are taking all necessary precautions to protect the animals in our care. We are evacuating at-risk sites and we have procedures in place to safely move and care for all animals under our protection during the storm.

We encourage everyone to stay safe, stay prepared, and always remember—your pets rely on you during emergencies.