Bush Fires and Your Pets

​Summer and it’s hot weather is here! That means that the bush fire season is upon us. Pet owners need to be prepared in the event of a bush fire. Pets have been left behind in bush fires because their owners had not included their pets as part of their Bush Fire Survival Plan. Taking the time to create a Bush fire Survival Plan helps ensure your family and pets safety.

Pet Identity

It is important that your pet can be easily identified and reunited with you if you are separated.  Ways of identifying your pet are:

• Having them microchipped
• Wearing a collar with an identification tag attached to it.

Make sure you update your details should you move or change telephone numbers. 

Having a pet emergency kit will ensure you have the items you need for your pet ready to go quickly. The kit can include:

• Food and plenty of water 
• Bowls
• Any medications and a first aid kit
• Pet’s medical history or any important information people need to know about your pet
• A list of your pets and a photo with their name on it, kept in a protective cover
• Your vet’s contact details
• Woolen blankets and bedding
• Collars, leads, halters, saddles etc
• Cages, pet carriers, floats or van. 
• Your pet’s favourite toy
• Poo bags, litter and trays

If you are using a cage, pet carrier or float, have these easily accessible for a quick evacuation and make sure your pet is trained to enter and spend time in these. Otherwise they may panic or fret and you may have difficulty to get them go into their crate or carrier. 

Relocate or Stay?

For high-risk times it may be safer for you and your pets to relocate to somewhere else until the danger is over. Pets may panic and run. If you want to keep them with you, then keep them close to you at times of risk by keeping them inside, on a lead or in a crate. This will be faster and more efficient when it’s time to move your pet should you need to evacuate.

Do not leave it until the last minute to evacuate as this is the most dangerous option for you and your pets.

Make a Plan with Neighbours

Having a plan made with neighbours can help keep  your pets safe if you are not at home. Consider doing the following:
 

• Give your neighbour a copy of your Bush fire Plan
• Have your pets and the Pet Emergency Kit accessible for your neighbour
• Stay in contact with your neighbour so you both know what is happening.
• Create a list of places that pets can be taken to incase of a fire emergency in your area such as a boarding kennel, a Vet Clinic, friends or family that are in a safe place.

 
It is a great idea to have signage on a gate or on your door should you have animals on your property or inside and you are not home. State how many pets there are so they can be accounted for should someone else have to evacuate them in an emergency.
 
Always prepare your evacuation bush fire emergency plan before summer so you can act quickly in case of an emergency. 

Watch for Heat Stress in Your Pets

Bush fires are usually in times of extreme heat and your pets may be vulnerable to heat stress. The signs will be panting, dehydration, drooling, high temperature, red gums, increased respiration and heart rate. If you suspect your pet is experiencing heat stroke, soak towels in cool water and place over pet or in-between the legs or around the neck. Always seek veterinary assistance immediately. 

To prevent heat stroke provide lots of shade and fresh water outside. Preferably bring them inside to a cool part of the house if the temperature is soaring outside. Do not leave dogs in cars; the car can heat up so quickly to a dangerous temperature. Overweight, aged, short nosed or unhealthy dogs will suffer a lot more in the heat than other dogs so take extra precautions with them. 

Fire Safety for You and Your Pets

We hope this information will help you keep your family and pets safe in the event of a bush fire. The NSW Rural Fire Service have some great Fact Sheets on bush fire safety, you can download. Along with a fact sheet on Fire Safety for Your Pets