RSPCA WA and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) are urging households to include their pets in their emergency plans following a string of serious bushfires across WA in recent weeks.
RSPCA WA Chief Operating Officer Hannah Dreaver said the fires were a timely reminder that emergencies could escalate quickly, even in built-up areas.
“People often associate bushfires with rural areas but recent blazes in areas like Carramar and Kalamunda, and Thursday’s Ellenbrook fire, show that suburban households are just as vulnerable,” Ms Dreaver said.
“Once you’ve made the decision to evacuate, it may not be safe for you to return for your animals which is why it’s so important to plan ahead before panic sets in.”
Department of Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Operations Craig Waters AFSM said there was still a long way to go in Western Australia’s high-threat period, with dangerous fire conditions possible well into March and April.
“In the past month we’ve seen two cyclones cross the Kimberley coast, storms lash large parts of the State and several fast-moving bushfires which put communities at risk throughout southern WA,” he said.
“Whether it’s a bushfire, flood, cyclone or storm, we know that having a plan is the best way to stay safe during an emergency.
“Making last-minute decisions about how to evacuate your animals and where you will take them can delay your plan to leave and put your family in danger.
“I would encourage all Western Australians to download the Emergency WA app and make a plan for all hazards that includes their pets.
“You can set up to 10 watch zones in the app to make sure you’re alerted to emergencies wherever your animals are based and upload important documents — like your detailed pet plan — all in one place.”
For Gosnells resident Sara Macpherson, the need for a suburban pet emergency plan became clear when a fire crossed Tonkin Highway near her home in November 2024.
“We didn’t have an evacuation plan because we live in the suburbs — that was a big mistake,” Ms Macpherson said. “If you think being in the suburbs keeps you safe, think again.”
Ms Dreaver said one of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of planning was knowing where pets could go.
“Due to health and safety requirements, animals are generally not permitted inside community evacuation centres, except for recognised assistance animals,” she said.
“That’s why it’s critical to plan alternative options in advance, such as pet-friendly accommodation, boarding facilities, or a trusted friend or family member’s property in a safe area.”
RSPCA WA’s Ready, Pet, GO! campaign encourages households to prepare a detailed pet emergency plan, covering transport, destinations, emergency contacts and essential supplies.
“Making an emergency plan for your pets significantly increases their chances of being evacuated safely,” Ms Dreaver said.
“Spending time on emergency pet safety now means you can act decisively when it matters most because one thing you can’t change in an emergency is time.”
For comprehensive emergency planning, up-to-date alerts and warnings, Western Australians are encouraged to download the Emergency WA app or visit emergency.wa.gov.au.
To access RSPCA WA’s pet emergency planning resources and the Ready, Pet, GO! checklist, visit rspcawa.org.au/ready-pet-go.
