Pet Insurance Australia Urges Pet Owners to Safeguard Pets Amid Bushfire Smoke

Australian pet parents are being urged to be extra vigilant as bushfire smoke spreads across the nation, posing health risks to animals and people alike.

Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) is reminding pet owners of practical steps they can take to protect their dogs and cats from the effects of smoke inhalation and other fire-related hazards, plus how to prepare a pet emergency plan and pack in case evacuation or temporary boarding becomes necessary.

“Our pets are family members, and smoke from bushfires can affect them just as much as it does people,” says Nadia Crighton, Spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia. “We’re encouraging all pet owners, particularly in Victoria, to be proactive: monitor air quality, reduce outdoor exposure, keep coats clean, and understand whether your pet insurance covers emergency boarding if evacuation is required.”

Smoke Inhalation: A Real Risk for Pets

Smoke from bushfires contains fine particulates that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs of animals. Pets with pre-existing respiratory conditions, short noses (brachycephalic breeds), young animals and older pets are especially vulnerable.

Signs of smoke irritation in pets can include:

• Coughing or wheezing
• Rapid or laboured breathing
• Eye irritation or discharge
• Excessive yawning or lethargy
• Irritation of nose or throat

“Even seemingly mild smoke can cause irritation and discomfort for pets,” says Crighton. “Limiting outdoor time, keeping pets inside as much as possible, and using air purifiers if available can help reduce their exposure.”

Daily Coat Care to Remove Smoke Particles

Bushfire smoke particles can cling to a pet’s fur, which they may then inhale or ingest through grooming.

PIA recommends daily coat cleansing:

• Wipe down coats with a damp cloth (avoid excessively wetting the animal)
• Clean paws after walks to remove residue
• Bathe dogs at the end of the day if needed (use gentle pet-safe shampoo)
• For cats, use gentle pet wipes or dry grooming where appropriate

This simple routine reduces the chance of pets ingesting irritants when they groom themselves and helps keep airways clearer.

Emergency Boarding & Pet Insurance

Many pet owners may need to evacuate due to fires or worsening smoke conditions. PIA encourages owners to:

✔ Check their policy for emergency evacuation or boarding coverage. “Some plans offer reimbursement for emergency boarding costs if the owner is displaced or unable to care for the pet temporarily.”

✔ Be aware of any policy waiting periods or conditions that apply to boarding benefits.

✔ Have a list of boarding facilities or friends/family who can care for pets if necessary.

“If you’re unsure what your policy covers, now is the time to check,” Crighton says. “Understanding your policy details before an emergency helps avoid stress if you need to activate benefits.”

All existing PIA policyholders in fire-affected areas in Victoria are being offered emergency boarding for their insured pets through until end February 2026 and are advised to check SMSs from PIA for details.

Pet Emergency Plan & Pack Checklist

PIA has compiled this practical checklist to help pet owners prepare:

Emergency Plan (write down or save on phone)

☐ Evacuation routes and safe meeting points
☐ Trusted contact (friend/relative) outside the affected zone
☐ List of local boarding facilities
☐ Current vet contact and records
☐ Up-to-date microchip and ID tags
☐ Insurance policy details and claim contact info

Emergency Pack (ready to grab quickly)

☐ Food (minimum 5–7 days’ supply)
☐ Water (separate supply for each pet)
☐ Bowls and feeding supplies
☐ Leashes, harnesses, carriers
☐ Medications and supplements
☐ Recent photo of each pet (for identification)
☐ Pet first-aid kit
☐ Copies of vaccination records and insurance documents
☐ Comfort items (blanket/toy)

Stay Informed, Stay Prepared

With ongoing fire activity and unpredictable changes in weather, PIA recommends:

• Monitoring local fire and air quality updates
• Limiting outdoor exercise during high smoke periods
• Keeping pets inside with clean air where possible
• Checking insurance coverage early

“Preparation is the best defence,” Crighton adds. “Being ready for both health issues from smoke and emergency displacement gives owners peace of mind and protects pets when they need it most.”

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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