Make sure your pets are part of your bushfire survival plan

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said it was important to be ready to leave early on high-risk bushfire days.

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

"Keep towels and woollen blankets on hand to protect pets during the journey and to keep them as cool as possible.

"Another valuable step is microchipping pets for easy identification and ensuring your phone number is visible on their collar.“

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.

"Make sure you’re prepared. Late evacuation will put you and your animals at risk."

RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker said it was essential to include pets in bushfire survival plans.

“Planning for emergencies is such a crucial part of life in Victoria particularly during the summer months,” Dr 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 more information and tips on how to keep your pets and livestock safe during high bushfire risk days, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/pets/