Pets Livestock and Animal Welfare
You are responsible for planning for your animals. Moving them takes time, transport and a safe destination, so act well before conditions become dangerous.
Include Every Animal in your Plan
- Identify at least two safe destinations outside the risk area and confirm they will accept your animals.
- Know how many vehicles, floats, crates, halters, leads and helpers you need. Practise loading animals calmly.
- Keep registrations, microchips, tags and ownership records current. Photograph animals and record distinguishing features.
- Prepare food, water, medication, bedding, waste supplies and first aid for several days.
- Plan for fencing, gates, smoke, heat, power loss and water-pump failure.
- Arrange a trusted person who can act if you are away, and give them written authority and access details.
Leave Early
Relocate horses and livestock before roads become unsafe and before animals are distressed by smoke, sirens or fire. Do not release animals onto roads. Never put your life or another person’s life at risk to move an animal.
Evacuation Centres
Animals are not permitted inside evacuation centres other than recognised assistance animals.
Your plan must include another location for pets, horses and livestock.
If an incident establishes an animal-welfare facility or holding area, details will be announced through official information.
Injured or Displaced Wildlife
Keep away from dangerous or stressed wildlife. The Wildcare Helpline provides advice and referral on sick, injured or displaced native animals. Call (08) 9474 9055 during its operating hours. Call 000 if a person is in immediate danger.
Related links
Plantagenet resident information — companion-animal and horse bushfire resources
State Support Plan for Animal Welfare in Emergencies — state animal-welfare arrangements
Wildcare Helpline — wildlife advice and referral
Emergency WA planning tool — include animals in your plan