David King, an emergency services rescue specialist with 40 years of experience in the NSW State Emergency Service, emphasizes the critical need for disaster victims to prepare in advance for evacuating their pets during emergencies such as floods. In the flood-prone Hawkesbury Nepean Valley, King frequently assists pet owners who struggle to transport multiple animals to safety. He stresses the importance of having appropriate transport like cages, travel boxes, or floats for horses, as well as assembling emergency kits with food, medicine, and vet records. NSW is one of only two Australian states that legally mandate rescue services to include domestic animals, allowing the public to call emergency services for pet rescues.

King highlights that many pet owners risk their lives to protect their animals during disasters, which can endanger both themselves and emergency responders. He advocates for better household preparedness to avoid panic and poor decisions in crises. While pet-friendly evacuation centers exist, they may be distant, so having friends or family as backup hosts is advisable. King also trains new SES recruits in animal rescue techniques, including handling large animals calmly, to ensure effective and safe evacuations during emergencies.