In response to the out-of-control bushfire in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs, which is threatening lives and homes, RSPCA WA has issued the following general advice as a resource for pet owners.

The situation is changing rapidly, so remember to stay across the latest info and take into account that you may lose power, reception or internet connections.

For the most current updates, visit www.emergency.wa.gov.au, call 13 DFES (13 33 37), or tune in to the ABC AM radio station (720).

Evacuations centres have been set up at Brown Park Recreation Complex on Amherst Road in Swan View, Swan Active Midland and Swan Active Beechboro. Fore more info, click here.

Only recognised assistance animals are allowed inside the evacuation centre, so pet owners should make alternative arrangements if possible. If this is not possible, the Department recommends you still proceed to the evacuation centre with your pets and await further advice.

For those in an area where it is not safe to leave, DFES advises that:

• It is no longer safe to evacuate horses and large animals.

• It is not safe to handle animal movements outside.

• Fences along roadsides should not be cut and external property gates should not be opened.

People who have evacuated and left animals behind, or may have fences damaged by fire putting animals at risk can contact the City of Swan for assistance on 9267 9267.

Bushfires can lead to persistent smoke and related air pollution and this can cause serious negative effects and health problems for animals, just as it can in people. To read about how you can minimise these impacts, click here.

IF EVACUATING WITH YOUR PETS:

• Small pets should be contained within the home at the first sign of an emergency warning in your suburb or surrounds. This ensures they are close-at-hand if you make the decision to evacuate.

• Phone ahead to confirm or arrange a safe temporary location for your pets. This could be a boarding facility, or a family member of friend’s home, located in safe area.

• If time allows, prepare/pack your Pet Emergency Kit. This should include:

• Registration and vaccination certificates

• Transportation equipment (cages/carriers/crates)

• Cat litter and tray or poo bags for dogs

• Medications and instructions for treatment of any medical conditions

• Food/water bowls, and at least one week’s supply of non-perishable food

• Favourite toys

• Blankets/bedding/nesting material

• Harness and leads

• Photograph of your pets (including names)

• Contact details for your vet, local animal shelter, local council and alternative animal accommodation facility

• Allow additional time for the special needs of some pets.

• Carry birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice or other pocket pets in cages or in secure boxes with sufficient small air holes.

• Put fish in a large wide-necked jar with a secure lid. Fill the jar two-thirds with water. Regularly blow through a straw into the water to aerate it.

• Frogs may generally need a small covered tub with 2.5cm of water and air holes in the top.

• Snakes and lizards need a container with a secure lid and air holes. They may also be transported in a sack or pillowcase that has been securely fastened at the opening.

• As poultry and aviary birds are easily affected by smoke, make a hessian covering to fit the cage. To use, wet down the covering and secure around the outside of the cage.

• Horses and livestock should be moved to a safe place as soon as possible when emergency conditions are forecast. Spending a short time away is better than taking the risk of being caught out or trapped by rapidly changing conditions. For more on evacuating larger animals, see advice from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. If you are unable to evacuate your livestock or horses, it's important you prepare a safe place for them. For more information, click here.

IF YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR ANIMALS BEHIND:

Pets should not be abandoned unless it is absolutely impossible to evacuate them. To avoid this situation, wherever possible, consider evacuating your pets before the danger arises. If you are forced to leave your pets behind, be sure to follow the advice below:

• Do not tether pets (i.e. do not tie them up) as they will be unable to flee if danger is imminent.

• Provide food and water for at least one week in accessible places and in more than one container that can’t be tipped over.

• Ensure pets are properly identified (e.g. a collar with an ID tag and microchip).

• Leave a note on the front door or on your mailbox stating your mobile phone number, how many pets are located on the premises, their species, names and a photo.

• Birds will require food dispensers that regulate the amount of food provided at any one time. Ideally these dispensers will be provided for all pets.

IF YOU LEAVE YOUR PETS OUTSIDE:

• Ensure there is plenty of water available from a source that does not rely on power or above ground pipes.

• Move animals to a closely grazed or ploughed paddock (preferably around the homestead) with drinking water, steel fencing and preferably shade (poultry can be placed in a temporary pen).

• Do not shut horses in stables or small fenced yards. Sand arenas, grazed down paddocks or similar bare areas are best.

• High visibility pet coats and horse rugs with your mobile phone number can also be helpful to assist in the relocation of lost pets.

• Do not place synthetic blankets on your horses.

• Provide a minimum of five days supply of hay or ensure access to pasture.

Including pets in your bushfire survival plan greatly increases the likelihood of evacuating safely when an emergency arises. For more info on preparing your plan, visit www.dfes.wa.gov.au/firechat