**Include pets in your bushfire survival plan**
As bushfire risks escalate during summer months, animal welfare organisations and emergency services are urging residents in bushfire-prone areas to incorporate their pets into bushfire survival plans. With increasing incidents of extreme weather across Australia, the message is clear: pets, like humans, are vulnerable to the dangers posed by bushfires and must be accounted for during emergencies.
Experts highlight that pet owners often overlook the logistics of safely evacuating or caring for animals in the face of a fast-moving bushfire. This omission can lead to distress, injury, or even loss of life for animals, and in some cases, prevent people from prioritising their own safety when they delay evacuations to retrieve or secure their pets at the last minute.
The Victoria-based organisation Animal Welfare League Australia is one of several groups actively promoting preparedness measures to ensure animals are not left behind during emergencies. Recommendations include assembling an emergency kit specifically for pets, containing items such as leads, carriers, bedding, food, water, and any necessary medications. The kit should be easily accessible and updated regularly to meet the specific needs of the animal. Owners are also encouraged to add clear identification, such as a microchip or collar with contact details, to increase the chances of reuniting with pets if separated during an evacuation.
In an emergency, early evacuation is widely regarded as a crucial factor for survival, both for people and their animals. The Country Fire Authority in Victoria advises residents to leave early when conditions are forecasted as catastrophic or extreme, even if no bushfire is immediately visible. They stress that roads may become impassable, and visibility significantly reduced, as fires rapidly escalate. Seeking refuge in exposed locations or trying to escape with minimal preparation in the midst of the threat can have fatal consequences.
Dr Steven Smith, a veterinarian with years of experience in emergency response, outlines the risks posed to animals during bushfires. These can include not only burns but also smoke inhalation, dehydration, and stress-related health issues. Pets are particularly at risk because they depend on their owners for safe evacuation, shelter, and care. Many animals, once frightened, may hide or flee, making it even harder to locate them during a fire emergency.
Certain pet owners face unique challenges in their bushfire preparation efforts. For example, those with large animals such as horses or livestock need to consider transport logistics and identify suitable safe zones in advance. This requires additional planning, resources, and the ability to act swiftly. Equine-focused welfare organisations recommend periodically practising evacuation drills to ensure horses are familiar with loading into trailers under pressure. For pet owners living in rural areas, building firebreaks, clearing vegetation near pens, and installing water sources like dams or sprinklers around animal enclosures can increase the likelihood of survival for livestock.
The importance of a clear contingency plan is regularly emphasised through public safety campaigns. Local councils in bushfire-prone areas often collaborate with emergency services and community organisations to provide workshops and resources on the topic. The City of Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, for instance, is one such region advocating for pet-inclusive survival plans. Officials suggest that by planning ahead, pet owners can avoid difficult decisions under duress and reduce the risk of losing a beloved companion.
However, gaps in preparedness remain a concern. A study by Charles Sturt University in 2021 found that while 68 per cent of surveyed pet owners claimed to have some form of bushfire plan, only 18 per cent included specific measures for their animals. This suggests that many residents underestimate the complexities of caring for pets during emergencies. The study called for more targeted education and outreach to address this disparity.
Shelters and animal care facilities also play a crucial role during bushfire crises. Veterinary clinics frequently operate as triage centres for injured animals, while animal shelters may take in stray or rescued pets. However, these facilities can quickly become overwhelmed, especially during widespread emergencies, placing additional responsibility on individuals to ensure the well-being of their animals. Some councils have partnered with animal welfare organisations to establish pet-friendly emergency shelters, recognising that the fear of leaving pets behind can discourage some residents from fleeing to safety.
The aftermath of bushfires often reveals the devastating toll they take on wildlife and domestic animals alike. The 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires in Australia brought this issue to the forefront when an estimated three billion animals were killed or displaced, according to a study commissioned by the World Wide Fund for Nature. While domestic pets accounted for a smaller proportion of this number, the emotional impact on their owners underscores the importance of including animals in survival strategies. Animal welfare advocates stress that such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive planning.
The broader lessons learned from recent disasters have prompted calls for systemic improvements in disaster preparedness and response. National and state-level policies increasingly consider animal welfare alongside human safety, with guidelines introduced to formalise the role of pets in emergency evacuation frameworks. Public messaging continues to evolve, focusing on real-life stories to convey the significance of being prepared. Testimonials from those who successfully evacuated with their pets often credit prior planning and early action for avoiding tragedy.
For residents still uncertain about how to start, emergency services recommend consulting official resources such as the Country Fire Authority’s bushfire planning toolkit. Animal welfare organisations also offer tailored advice for pet owners, including checklists and step-by-step guides tailored to specific species.
As temperatures rise and climate patterns intensify, the likelihood of large-scale bushfires appears to be increasing, according to research from the Bureau of Meteorology. Given this, experts maintain that individuals, households, and communities must remain vigilant and proactive. For pet owners, the stakes are especially high, as animals rely on human intervention for their survival. Whether through simple acts like preparing an evacuation kit or more comprehensive measures involving transport and training, small decisions made in advance can ultimately mean the difference between life and loss during a bushfire emergency.
**References:**
– Original article from Star Weekly: https://maribyrnonghobsonsbay.starweekly.com.au/news/include-pets-in-your-bushfire-survival-plan/
– Country Fire Authority, Victoria: www.cfa.vic.gov.au
– Study on pet preparedness: Charles Sturt University, 2021
– World Wide Fund for Nature, Black Summer Bushfires Report, 2020
– Bureau of Meteorology, Australia: www.bom.gov.au