RSPCA chief executive Maria Mercurio says that as the areas devastated by bushfire open up, only then will we all understand the full brunt of the tragedy on animals.

She said RSPCA shelters and inspectors had been working around the clock to be ready to provide emergency assistance to animals. ''We are able to offer short-term emergency accommodation and veterinary care to pets at our shelters across Victoria,'' Ms Mercurio said.

Many animals which have managed to survive the fires have been without food or water since Saturday.

She said if people were able to support the emergency relief effort, they could complete the assistance form on the website www.rspcavic.org

''For those not affected by the bushfires and who might be considering adopting a pet, now is an ideal time as it will free up kennels,'' Ms Mercurio said.

The Help for Wildlife response team, based in the Kinglake vicinity, is waiting to enter the foreground when safe to rescue injured wildlife. It needs medical supplies such as, silverzine cream, non-stick dressings, soft bandages, vet wrap, saline, disinfectant/chlorhexidine, syringes, pain relief and antibiotics. Help For Wildlife, PO Box 181 Coldstream.3770. Phone: 0417380687