Around 62% of Australian households have pets, and a majority of these households consider their pets to be part of the family. How can people take into account the safety of their pets during an emergency and consider the extent that their pets will change their emergency response? This Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC research has worked with communities in fire and flood prone areas, alongside emergency services, to develop more effective ways to reach animal owners that enable and empower animal ready communities. Join Hon A/Prof Mel Taylor to learn that engaging with people about their animals can lead to better emergency preparedness for everyone.