Keeping furry friends safe this summer

THE CFA and RSPCA are calling on Victorians to include pets in their bushfire survival plan following significant fires this summer.

The community is advised to have bedding, food, and water ready to go in case of an emergency.

“While you should always prioritise your own safety ahead of your pets, your bushfire plan isn’t fully complete unless it accounts for them,” CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said.

“When creating a plan, consider what your pets will eat and drink, how you will transport them, and where you are taking them.

“Once you have your kit prepared, keep it somewhere that’s easily accessible.”

For horses and livestock, Mr Heffernan encouraged Victorians to make a separate plan.

“If you’re unable to evacuate livestock, the safest place is a large, well-grazed, and fenced area away from roads where they can move freely with access to water,” he said.

“Make sure you’re prepared; late evacuation will put you and your animals at risk.”

For more information about keeping pets and livestock safe, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/pets.