THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) of Victoria and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) are urging residents to include pets and livestock in their bushfire survival plans.
CFA Chief Executive Jason Heffernan said it’s important to plan ahead so you can make good decisions that keep you and your animals safe on hot, dry, and windy days.
“Make sure you’re prepared,” he said.
“Late evacuation will put you and your animals at risk. While you should always prioritise your own safety ahead of your pets, your bushfire plan isn’t fully complete unless it accounts for them.
“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, a separate plan is required.
“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,” Mr Heffernan said.
Meanwhile, RSPCA Victoria Chief Executive Dr Liz Walker reiterated the importance of including pets in bushfire survival plans, and also for keeping them cool on days with a high fire danger rating.
“Planning for emergencies is such a crucial part of life in Victoria, particularly during the summer months,” she 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.”
A Pet Bushfire Relocation Kit should include food and water and a bowl for each pet, a second collar and lead, a carrier for cats and smaller pets, bedding and a woollen blanket, your vet’s contact details, and a pet first-aid kit.
To keep your pet cool, have fresh, cold water available at all times, wipe your pet down with a cool, damp towel, and even consider having your dog clipped if their coat is long and thick, or purchase a wading pool for your dog. For cats, rub damp hands over their coat or along their tummy. If you cannot hold your hand against the pavement for more than 10 seconds on a hot day, do not walk your pet. Finally, remember that like children, pets should never be left in cars on warm or hot days.
For more information, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/pets.
