General News
28 October, 2025
Locals urged not to forget their pets
Residents urged to remember their pets when preparing their bushfire survival plans.
As the state faces an increased risk of fires this summer, both the RSPCA and CFA are calling on Victorians to not forget their pets when preparing their bushfire survival plans.
RSPCA Victoria and CFA are calling on Victorians to include their pets in bushfire survival plans, advising animals can’t be left to the last minute.
Pet owners have been advised they can save valuable time in emergencies by being ready to evacuate with their furry friend.
Lexton Fire Brigade Captain Matt Briody said it is vital residents are responsible for not just evacuating with their pets, but adequately preparing to leave with them.
“What we see as firefighters, is sometimes people either forget their dogs, or animals also have that fight or flight and our little pooch might go into hiding,” he said.
“It takes time to move these little guys, especially if they run away and hide, or get lost, we need that time to get them into a safe location.”
The warning follows Lexton CFA volunteer Nicholas Jolley’s own experience evacuating multiple animals when a bushfire suddenly approached his own property.
“Unfortunately when one very serious fire went though three kilometers from our property, we always had a plan to move ourselves, but I was quite concerned,” he said.
“You end up being quiet stressed. When there is smoke coming towards you on the horizon, animals know there is danger.
“Moving big animals is always a very big decision, you may think ‘how many horse floats do I need? Which horse do I take?’. So, make friends with your local pony club or places that are way out of danger, so you can take your animals there way before catastrophic danger,” Mr Jolley said.
While residents gather emergency kits for themselves, Mr Briody said pets also need the same preparation. These items include a collar with a tag, documents such as proof of ownership and vaccination, medication, owner contact details, non perishable food and water, familiar bedding and a litter box.
“Make sure your pet is micro chipped, incase your beloved pooch gets lost, so the authorities can identify them and get them back to you as soon as possible,” Mr Briody said.
For those who feel they will be unable to evacuate with their pets, the CFA advises considering trusted friends, family members or kennels and catteries to house pets well before periods of high fire danger.
Regardless, Mr Briody said on days where bushfire risk is high, the best action is to leave with pets as early as possible.
“On a bad day, not only have we got hot, windy conditions, but if a fire is coming along and heading to your property, we ourselves get stressed, and so do our pets, so the best advice is leave early,” he said.