Summer in Australia means long, lazy days at the beach — but for pet owners, it also means bushfire season. Fires can move faster than you think, and when they do, there’s no time to pack a bag and figure out a plan on the spot. The good news? A little preparation now can make all the difference for your dog or cat when the mercury climbs and the wind picks up.
Here’s your practical, no-nonsense guide to getting your pets bushfire-ready — whether you live in the suburbs, on acreage, or right on the bushland edge.
Know Your Fire Danger Rating
Every state and territory in Australia uses the Australian Fire Danger Rating System, and it’s your first early-warning signal. Ratings run from Moderate through High, Extreme and, at the top, Catastrophic.
- Moderate to High: keep an eye on conditions and stay alert.
- Extreme: be ready to activate your plan, and seriously consider leaving early.
- Catastrophic: leaving early isn’t just recommended — it’s the safest option for you and your pets. Homes in these conditions simply aren’t designed to survive a fire.
The golden rule for pet owners: don’t wait for a “watch and act” warning to start packing. If you’re making decisions under pressure, your pets’ carriers, leads and medication will be the first things you forget.
Build a Pet Emergency Kit Today
Your pets can’t pack for themselves, so their emergency kit is on you. Grab a sturdy box or bag and keep it somewhere easy to reach — not buried in the back of the shed.
- At least three days of dry food and bottled water, plus a bowl and a manual can opener if you use tinned food
- Medications, tick and flea treatments, and a copy of vaccination records
- A lead, harness and collar with up-to-date ID tags for each dog, and a secure carrier for each cat
- A recent photo of your pet in case they go missing, and a record of their microchip number
- A favourite toy, blanket or bed — familiar smells help anxious animals settle
- A basic pet first-aid kit, including bandages, antiseptic and a tick remover
Check the kit twice a year — at the start of spring and again in early summer — and swap out food and medication before it expires.
Write Your Pet Evacuation Plan
Where will you go, and how will your pets get there? Answer those two questions now, not in January.
Choose a destination outside the fire risk area — a friend or family member’s place, or a pet-friendly motel or caravan park you’ve already checked. Many councils publish lists of pet-friendly evacuation centres, but they’re usually a last resort, so having a private option lined up is worth its weight in gold.
Practise the drill, too. Get your dog comfortable jumping in the car on short notice, and get your cat used to their carrier — leave it out with a blanket inside so it feels like home, not a trap. And remember: never leave pets tied up, locked inside or behind when you evacuate, and never drive back into a fire zone for them. If you become separated, alert your local council, the RSPCA and nearby vets as soon as it’s safe.
Prepare Your Home and Backyard
Your backyard does double duty in fire season: it can protect your home, or it can feed a fire. In the lead-up to summer, keep grass short, clear gutters of leaves, and move flammable items — woodpiles, outdoor furniture, doormats — well away from the house.
For pets, set up a safe indoor space in advance: a room away from windows where they can ride out the worst of it if you’re forced to shelter. Fill bathtubs and buckets with water, and put a damp towel by the door for pets to lie on. And keep dogs inside or supervised on high-risk days — never leave them chained up outside where they can’t escape.
After the Fire: Look After Your Pets
Once the danger passes, your pet’s recovery needs just as much attention as your own. Check their paws for burns and cuts, and watch for signs of smoke inhalation — coughing, wheezing, red or watery eyes, or lethargy. If anything seems off, get them to the vet.
Be extra careful on walks: fallen trees, hidden embers and damaged fences can hurt a curious dog, and displaced native wildlife may be stressed and unpredictable. Keep dogs on a lead until your area is declared safe, and keep cats inside until things feel normal again — a frightened cat can bolt for kilometres.
Finally, if you find injured wildlife, don’t handle it yourself. Call WIRES (1300 094 737), your local wildlife rescue group or the RSPCA for advice.
Bushfire season is part of life in Australia, but being prepared means it doesn’t have to be a lottery. Pack the kit, write the plan and practise it with your pets — because when the summer heat arrives, the best thing you can give your dog or cat is a calm, organised human who knows exactly what to do.
