Dogs are part of the household emergency plan, not an extra task to solve at the last minute. Queensland authorities recommend deciding where pets will go, preparing a kit, practising how everything fits in the car and checking whether an evacuation centre accepts animals.
Dog bushfire evacuation kit checklist
Get Ready Queensland recommends supplies for at least five days. Keep everything together in a waterproof, easy-to-reach container and prepare a separate set of essentials for each dog.
Food and water
- at least five days of your dog’s usual non-refrigerated food
- bottled water, allowing enough for drinking and basic cleaning
- portable food and water bowls
- a manual can opener if required
- a small supply of familiar treats for handling and settling
Medication and health information
- regular medication and parasite control, stored as directed
- clear written dosing instructions
- copies of prescriptions, vaccination history and relevant medical records
- your usual vet and nearest emergency-vet contact details
- a pet first-aid kit recommended by your veterinarian
Rotate food and medication before they expire. If a medicine requires refrigeration, ask your vet in advance how to transport it safely during a power outage or evacuation.
Identification and documents
- well-fitting collar or harness with a readable ID tag and two contact numbers
- current microchip details and council registration
- a recent clear photo of each dog
- a photo showing you with your dog to help establish ownership
- paper and digital copies of vaccination, medical and insurance documents
Store paper records in a sealed waterproof bag. Save copies to your phone or secure cloud storage in case the physical kit is lost.
Safe transport and comfort
- a sturdy lead plus a spare
- a secure carrier or crate your dog already knows
- bedding, a familiar toy and towels
- poo bags, paper towel, disinfectant and other cleaning supplies
- a sheet or light cover for the crate to reduce visual stress without blocking ventilation
For two dogs, make sure both can be safely restrained at the same time. Small dogs may each need their own labelled carrier, particularly if either becomes anxious around the other under stress.
Decide where you will take your dog
Do not assume every evacuation centre will accept pets. Before bushfire season:
- Check your local council disaster dashboard and identify the arrangements for animals.
- Choose a primary destination outside the risk area, such as willing family or friends.
- Choose a backup destination and a second travel route.
- Confirm any pet-friendly accommodation or boarding arrangements directly.
- Nominate someone who can collect your dogs if you cannot get home.
Keep written addresses and phone numbers in the kit. Mobile coverage and power may be unreliable during a disaster.
Practise before an emergency
- Teach each dog to enter and settle in the carrier or car using rewards.
- Practise putting on leads and harnesses quickly.
- Load the household and pet kits to confirm that everything—and everyone—fits safely.
- Drive the planned routes and consider where congestion or road closures could occur.
- Review the plan when medication, contact details, pets or vehicles change.
What to do when fire risk rises
- Monitor official Queensland Fire Department warnings and your council disaster dashboard.
- Bring dogs inside or securely contain them early; frightened animals may hide or run.
- Put collars or harnesses on and place carriers and leads by the exit.
- Move the pet kit into the vehicle when it is safe to do so.
- Keep the vehicle fuelled or charged and parked for a prompt departure.
- Leave early with every pet rather than waiting for conditions to worsen.
If you become separated from your dog
Your safety and the directions of emergency services come first. Do not return through a roadblock or enter a fire area. Contact your local council, neighbours and the RSPCA Queensland Lost and Found team on 1300 363 736. Share a recent photo, microchip number, ID details, last known location and your contact number.
If evacuation has already become unavoidable and you cannot safely take your dog, do not tether the dog outside. RSPCA Queensland recommends safe indoor shelter where possible, accessible food and water, clear identification and a visible note for emergency responders. Contact council, SES, neighbours and RSPCA for advice as soon as you are safe.
After smoke or fire exposure
Contact a veterinarian urgently for breathing difficulty, persistent coughing, weakness, collapse, burns, eye injuries or any dog that seems unwell after smoke or heat exposure. Do not apply human creams or pain medication to burns. During hot evacuations, also watch for the warning signs in our dog heatstroke guide.
Quick answers
How much dog food and water should I pack?
Queensland’s public pet-preparedness checklist says at least five days. Pack your dog’s normal food to reduce digestive upset, rotate the supply before it expires and allow extra water for delays and cleaning.
Will a Queensland evacuation centre accept my dog?
Not necessarily. Rules and available facilities can change with each event. Check your council disaster dashboard and the current evacuation-centre instructions, then keep a pet-friendly backup destination.
Should my dog wear a collar during bushfire season?
Identification should be ready and current. Use a well-fitting collar or harness with an ID tag when conditions worsen, and keep the lead nearby. Microchipping remains important because a collar can come off.