AS summer officially kicks off, Victorians are being urged by the CFA and RSPCA Victoria to include their pets and livestock in their bushfire survival plans. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan emphasised the importance of having a bushfire relocation kit for pets, stating, “It can take longer than you think to move your pets, so make sure you can transport them efficiently and have towels and woollen blankets on hand to protect them.”
He also advised families to pre-plan whether their leave-early destination can accommodate pets. “We also recommend microchipping your pets so they can be easily identifiable, with your phone number on their collar,” he said. A separate plan for horses and livestock is also necessary as late evacuation can pose risks.
Rebecca Cook, RSPCA Victoria’s Head of Prevention, added, “Planning for emergencies is such a crucial part of life in Victoria particularly during the summer months.” She recommended storing photos of important pet documents on your phone and identifying pet shelters and an emergency guardian.
