Pet Fire Safety: How to Prepare Your Dog Before an Emergency

With wildfires affecting communities across the western United States each summer, and house fires occurring unexpectedly every day, National Pet Fire Safety day is a great time to ensure you have a plan in place for your pet.

Here are a few simple steps every pet owner should take.

Build a Pet Emergency Go Bag

If you have only a few minutes to evacuate, you won't have time to gather supplies.

During times of increased danger (like wildfire or hurricane season), have a bag packed and ready to go.

Include:

• 3–7 days of food and bottled water
• Food and water bowls
• Medications
• Prescription information
• Leash, harness or carrier
• Waste bags
• Copies of vaccination and medical records (digital copies are even better)
• Current microchip information
• Recent photo of your pet
• Favorite toy
• Familiar blanket or bed for comfort

"Having an emergency kit ready before disaster strikes can reduce stress and save valuable time during an evacuation." — American Red Cross

Keep Your Pet's Identification Current

One of the most important things you can do is make sure your pet's identification is up to date.

Check:

• microchip registration
• your phone number
• emergency contact
• current address

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchips dramatically improve the chances of being reunited with a lost pet—but only if the registration information is current.

Make Your Home Safer

Many house fires involving pets are preventable.

The American Kennel Club recommends:

• Never leave candles unattended.
• Remove or cover stove knobs when you're away.
• Keep pets away from fireplaces.
• Avoid loose electrical cords that may be chewed.
• Consider monitored smoke detectors if you're frequently away from home.

The National Fire Protection Association also recommends using flameless candles whenever possible if you have curious pets.

Help First Responders Help Your Pet

If firefighters arrive at your home, they need to know pets may be inside.

Organizations including the American Red Cross recommend displaying a Pet Alert Window Cling near your front entrance.

Include:

• number of dogs
• number of cats
• emergency phone number

Keep it updated whenever your household changes.

Remember that emergency responders cannot always enter a dangerous structure solely to rescue pets, but the alert can provide valuable information when conditions allow.

Practice Your Evacuation Plan

Don't wait until an emergency.

Practice loading your vehicle with:

• your pet
• your emergency bag
• carriers
• medications

If your dog becomes anxious during car rides, taking occasional practice trips can help make evacuations much less stressful. Consider having calming supplements on hand, or in your “Go Bag” to help your pet during the car ride.

Comfort Matters During Emergencies

Emergencies are stressful for everyone—including our pets.

Bringing familiar items like a favorite blanket, bed or toy can provide comfort in an unfamiliar environment such as a hotel, evacuation shelter or a friend's home.

Sometimes the smallest comforts make the biggest difference.

We hope you never need your emergency plan.

But National Pet Fire Safety Day is a great time to build a pet emergency kit and review your evacuation plan.