Hope among the ashes: Our bushfire disaster response.

Over the years we have worked in this space, one thing has become abundantly clear: wildlife are not a priority in disaster management arrangements. As a result, they suffer longer and in greater numbers.

This year, we were determined to change this. Animals Australia — in collaboration with our friends at Vets for Compassion — officially deployed our Veterinary Emergency Team.  

The priority of our Veterinary Emergency Team (VET) is to alleviate animal suffering quickly, by putting experienced vets on the ground to support the community and local wildlife carers who are usually the ones to find burnt and injured wildlife and other animals in their communities impacted by disaster.

This partnership represents the generosity and care of Animals Australia’s donors who fund this response, and the expertise of Vets for Compassion’s vets, nurses and rescuers. Together, we did everything we could to help animals who needed us most during this fire emergency, on behalf of our supporters who we know would want the same.

For any animal, an hour with severe burns is too long, let alone weeks. And for many, this was their painful daily reality on the Victorian firegrounds.

During the bushfire response of 2026, the team spent every long day assisting animals across two major firegrounds, working in collaboration with the state’s incident controllers and the incredible broader volunteer wildlife rescue and care community. We assisted shelters with ongoing vet support for animals taken into care, and continued lifesaving food and water drops for wildlife whose habitats and food sources were destroyed.

The severe heat wave during our response exacerbated the suffering of those waiting to be found further still, with some areas of the state reaching or exceeding 45 degrees.

Through the 6-week deployment, the Veterinary Emergency Team assessed and assisted hundreds of animals, both native and domestic species.  Sadly, part of our role also included ending suffering for those whose injuries are too great.

Animals Australia also provided emergency grants to wildlife carers and rescuers who were directly impacted by this bushfire disaster, helping to replace critical infrastructure and purchase supplies to ensure their important work could continue.

To support the Animals Australia and Vets for Compassion Veterinary Emergency Team, please head here.

Thank you for ensuring wildlife and other animals receive the timely help they need and deserve after bushfires and other disasters.