Residents urged to include pets in bushfire survival plans

THE CFA and RSPCA Victoria are urging Victorians to include their pets in bushfire survival plans as fire activity continues to threaten parts of the state.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said pet owners should prepare emergency kits with essentials such as food, water, bedding, and medications to ensure a swift evacuation.

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

 

He recommended keeping pet transport carriers and woollen blankets accessible, as well as ensuring pets are microchipped and have up-to-date contact details on their collars.

RSPCA Victoria chief executive Dr Liz Walker echoed the advice, urging owners to include their animals in Fire Ready plans.

“Planning for emergencies is such a crucial part of life in Victoria particularly during the summer months,” Walker said.

“Many people across the state already have a Fire Ready plan in place, and we’re urging everyone to make sure their pets are included too.

“An emergency kit with medication, updated contact details on microchips and collars, photos or scans on your phone of important documents like vaccination certifications, are just some of the items to prepare in advance.

“Our pets are such an important part of our lives, including them in your Fire Ready plans increases the chances of you and your pet making it to safety in an emergency situation.”

For larger animals like horses and livestock, authorities advise relocating them early or keeping them in a well-grazed, fenced area with access to water if evacuation is not possible.