As the state is currently facing extreme bushfire dangers, RSPCA NSW has offered advice for pet owners about how to include their pets in their fire safety plans.
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"Practice the plan to ensure any possible problems are eliminated," a RSPCA NSW spokesperson said.
"The aim is to reduce the danger, panic and stress of managing your pets in an emergency, like a sudden evacuation."
Owners should prepare a pet emergency kit containing everything they need in order to activate their plan quickly, which should contain:
- Registration certificates;
- Vaccination certificates;
- Transportation equipment (cages/carriers/crates/horse floats etc);
- Cat litter and tray for cats;
- Poo bags for dogs;
- ID tags (including pet's name and your mobile phone number), collars, leads, harnesses, saddles etc;
- Food and water bowls, and at least one week's supply of non-refrigerated food;
- Medications and clear instructions for treatment of any medical conditions;
- Blankets/bedding/nesting material;
- Toys/enrichment devices;
- Photograph of your pets (including names) in sealed plastic bags; and
- Contact details for your veterinarian, local animal shelter, local council and alternative animal accommodation facility.
For assistance animals, you should also include:
- Evidence your animal is appropriately trained to access public areas; and
- Instructions on how the animal is to be treated by others assisting after an emergency, if there are specific requirements they may need to be aware of.
If you are home, shut your pets inside the house to limit harm from smoke inhalation and so they are close by to exit with you once the danger has passed.
Find out if pets are allowed at your local evacuation centre before the need to evacuate becomes a reality.
If you must leave pets behind alone, leave them in a safe, secure room - ideally this room would have no windows and must have adequate air, such as a big bathroom and avoid rooms with hazards such as large windows, hanging plants or large picture frames.
If leaving your pets outside is the only option, ensure there is plenty of water available from a source that does not rely on power or above-ground pipes.
Move pets to a closely grazed or ploughed paddock with drinking water, steel fencing and preferably shade.
Do not place synthetic blankets on your horses, as these may melt during extreme heat.
If you have any concerns for animals in affected areas call:
- RSPCA NSW on 9770 7555;
- WIRES on 1300 094 737;
- Your the local police station.