When the weather turns wild: how to keep your pet safe during extreme weather

Bushfire season has a way of creeping up, and with the Bureau of Meteorology flagging hotter, drier conditions and an increased bushfire risk across parts of Australia this year, now's a good time to get ahead of it.

What bushfires can mean for your fur baby

Smoke, heat and general chaos aren't just hard on us. Bushfires can bring on or worsen respiratory issues, cause burns, and irritate your pet's eyes, even if they're nowhere near the fire front itself. Smoke can travel a long way, and pets can't tell you their chest feels tight or their eyes are stinging, so it's worth watching for it rather than waiting to be told.

A few ways to get ready

Check your pet's microchip details. It sounds small, but it's often the difference between a quick reunion and a stressful search. Make sure your contact details are current, and consider adding a second contact in case you can't be reached.

Put together a pet emergency kit. Food, water, any regular medications, a leash, a collar with ID, a carrier or crate, and a copy of your pet's medical records. Keep it somewhere you can grab in a hurry.

Map out an evacuation plan. Not every shelter or hotel accepts pets, so it's worth knowing your pet-friendly options nearby before you need them, not while you're packing the car.

Keep a buffer of prescription medication. If your pet's on regular medication, having a few weeks' reserve, or at least a copy of their clinical records, means you're not stuck if your usual vet is affected too.

Stay across local warnings. Weather updates, fire alerts, local news. A bit of awareness goes a long way toward acting early rather than reacting late.

Keep pets indoors when you can. If evacuating isn't necessary, keeping your fur baby inside helps limit smoke exposure. Have carriers or crates easily accessible in case things change quickly. The NSW Government's bushfire preparedness resources are a good place for further guidance.

If you're worried about your pet's health

If your pet's showing signs of breathing difficulty, unusual coughing, eye irritation, or just isn't themselves during or after a bushfire event, it's worth getting them checked by a vet rather than waiting to see if it settles on its own.

Bushfire season isn't something anyone looks forward to, but a bit of preparation now can make a real difference if things get hairy later. Stay safe out there, for you and your fur baby both.

FAQs

How can I prepare my pet for a bushfire or flood emergency? Preparing a pet emergency plan can help keep your pet safe during extreme weather events. This may include updating microchip details, preparing an emergency kit, organising transport and identifying pet-friendly evacuation options.

What should be included in a pet emergency kit? A pet emergency kit should include food, water, medications, veterinary records, a leash, collar, identification tags, a carrier or crate and any comfort items your pet may need during an evacuation.

Can bushfires affect my pet's health? Yes. Bushfires can increase the risk of respiratory conditions, burns, eye injuries and smoke-related health complications in pets. Pets may also experience stress and anxiety during emergency situations.

Should pets stay indoors during bushfire smoke events? If it's safe to remain at home, keeping pets indoors can help reduce exposure to smoke, ash and poor air quality. Fresh water and a calm indoor environment can also help minimise stress.

How do I create an evacuation plan for my pet? Your evacuation plan should identify pet-friendly accommodation options, emergency shelters, boarding facilities and transport arrangements. Planning ahead can help reduce stress if you need to leave quickly.

Why is microchipping important during emergencies? Updated microchip information can help reunite pets with their owners if they become separated during a bushfire, flood or evacuation event. It's important to ensure contact details remain current.

What health conditions can worsen during extreme weather events? Respiratory conditions, eye conditions and some pre-existing health issues may worsen during bushfires or other extreme weather events due to smoke, stress and environmental exposure.

Why is it important to have access to veterinary records during an emergency? Having copies of your pet's medical records and prescriptions can make it easier to access treatment, medications and veterinary care if your regular clinic is affected by an emergency.