KEEPING PETS SAFE: Pet Fire Safety Day

At The Good Dog Spot, our mission is to care for your pets like they’re our own. That care doesn’t stop when they leave our facility, it includes their safety a home too. In honor of Pet Fire Safety Day on July 15, we’re sharing some important reminders and practical tips to help keep your furry family members safe from fire-related dangers. Fires can happen unexpectedly, and when they do, our pets rely on us, their person, to be prepared. 

Did you know??? Each year, pets are involved in more than 1,000 house fires in the U.S., and some of those are started by pets themselves. 

The good news is, with a little prevention and planning, you can reduce those risks and be ready to act if needed.

Preventing Pet-Related Fires

One of the best ways to keep your pet safe is to reduce the chances of a fire starting in the first place. Here’s how to pet-proof your home with fire safety in mind:

• Secure open flames. Never leave candles, fireplaces, or stovetops unattended. Curious pets can easily knock them over. Remember, if you’re leaving a room, blow out the flame first.
• Use flameless candles. They create the same cozy glow but without the risk.
• Pet-proof your home. Keep stove knobs covered or removed if your pet likes to jump up. Tuck away electrical cords and secure any appliances that could overheat or spark. Just like baby-proofing, pet-proofing requires thinking from your animal’s perspective. If it’s within reach or looks like a toy, assume they might try to explore it.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Even with the best prevention, emergencies can still happen. Being prepared is key to protecting both your human and animal family members. These simple steps can make a big difference:

• Display pet alert window clings. These help first responders know how many pets are inside your home and what types of animals they’re looking for. These small stickers can be placed on front windows or doors and are available online or at many pet supply stores. You can even grab one right here at The Good Dog Spot!
• Know your pet’s hiding spots. Many animals will run and hide when they’re frightened, especially during loud or chaotic situations. Knowing where they tend to hide can help you locate them faster in a crisis.
• Include pets in your evacuation plan. Practice fire drills with your entire household and assign someone to be responsible for each pet. It may feel silly at first, but planning ahead helps everyone stay calm in an actual emergency.
• Prepare a go-bag for your pet. Keep a small bag near your main exit with essentials: a leash, food, water, medications, a copy of vaccination records, and something comforting like a toy or blanket. This way, you’ll be ready to grab and go quickly.

Everyday Tips That Add Up

In addition to fire-specific safety, it helps to keep your pet’s microchip information and ID tags up to date. In the event that your pet escapes during an emergency, this will increase your chances of being reunited.

If your pet is home alone often, consider crating them near an exit (if they’re crate-trained and calm there) or confining them to a safe room. Make sure that room is easy for firefighters to access if needed.

Fire safety is something we don’t always think about until it’s urgent, but a few simple steps can make a big difference. This Pet Fire Safety Day, take a moment to check your home and update your emergency plans.

At The Good Dog Spot, we’re proud to be part of a community that puts pets first. Whether we’re giving your pup a fresh haircut or helping them burn off energy at daycare, their health and safety are always top of mind.