At RSPCA's Unanderra shelter on Tuesday, animal attendants worked hard to help surrendered cats, dogs and livestock keep their cool as temperatures soared.

Shelter manager Judith Wright said all pet owners should be taking measures to protect their animals from heat stress.

"If you're inside in the air conditioning, bring your animals in with you," she said.

"If you have to leave them outside make sure they have always got access to plenty of water, and you can put ice in the water to keep it cooler for longer.

"You also need to ensure there's a range of shaded areas for them, so they have access to shade as the sun moves during the day."

Ms Wright said wet towels could be placed on the ground for animals to sit on, or shallow plastic wading pools could provide relief.

"Pets can get dehydrated very quickly so never leave them in cars unattended, for any amount of time," she said.

"Don't walk dogs until the weather cools right down, and then don't walk them on the footpath but on the grass - as it can burn the pads of their feet."

Meantime Ms Wright also reminded residents to include pets in any bushfire survival plan.

This included putting together an emergency pet kit, including their ID tags, vaccination certificates, any medication, lead or harness, bowls and food.

"Make sure you have a photo of your pet on your phone in case they go missing," she said. "And have contact details for your vet, local council or animal shelter available."

Ms Wright said pet owners should also think about where they would be going in case of bushfires, as not all evacuation centres could accommodate pets.

Meantime Large Animal Evacuation Centres have been opened at Albion Park and Nowra showgrounds, as a precaution.