Summer in Australia means long, lazy days at the beach, but for pet owners in much of the country, it also means bushfire season (in parts of the north, the risk peaks in winter and spring). 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, with forecasts issued up to four days ahead.
- Moderate to High: plan and prepare, stay alert, and decide what you will do if a fire starts.
- Extreme: take action now; if you and your property aren’t prepared to the highest level, go somewhere safer well before a fire arrives.
- Catastrophic: leaving early isn’t just recommended: it’s the safest option for you and your pets. Fire services warn that homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions.
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 a week’s supply of food that doesn’t need refrigerating and at least five days of water, plus bowls and a manual can opener if you use tinned food (this is the RSPCA’s emergency kit guidance)
- 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. Some evacuation centres accept animals and some don’t, and the RSPCA advises checking your state or territory’s emergency information in advance, 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: take your pets with you whenever you can, never leave them tied up, and never drive back into a fire zone for them. If leaving a pet behind is truly unavoidable, the RSPCA says to leave them untethered with at least a week of dry food and water in containers that can’t be tipped over, and a note on your door listing your pets and your mobile number. 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 keep damp towels handy to block gaps under doors against smoke. 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, fast or noisy breathing, 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. In NSW, call WIRES (1300 094 737); elsewhere, contact 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.
