Simple Fire Safety Tips That Could Save Your Pet’s Life

by Nevena Nacic

Published: July 18th, 2025

dotshock/Shutterstock

It’s something no pet owner ever wants to think about, but house fires happen fast, and when they do, our pets rely entirely on us to get them out safely. While most families have some fire escape plan, very few account for the animals in the house.

Just ask Melissa Carter, a dog mom of three from Asheville, North Carolina. “A few years ago, we had a kitchen fire while I was at work,” she said. “Thankfully, it was put out quickly, but I kept thinking—if it had spread, what would’ve happened to my dogs? That’s when I realized we had no plan.”

According to the American Red Cross, more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires each year. And while many fires are unpredictable, some are started by pets - accidentally turning on stovetops or knocking over candles.

Here’s how pet owners can lower the risk and be ready in case the unthinkable happens.

No Open Flames Around Curious Paws

Candles, fireplaces, and stovetops are major hazards in homes with pets, especially with curious cats and counter-surfing dogs.

“I had a cat once who jumped on the stove and turned the burner on,” said Dr. Hannah Lane, a veterinarian in Portland, Oregon. “Luckily, I smelled the gas in time. After that, I bought knob covers and switched to battery candles.”

Many fire departments also recommend using flameless candles, especially in households with pets left alone during the day.

Keep Leashes, Carriers, and ID Tags Handy

If you have to evacuate in a hurry, scrambling to find your pet’s leash or carrier wastes precious seconds. Store them near the exit, along with a go-bag that includes food, water, and medication.

“During wildfires in California, we saw a lot of people trying to carry dogs in their arms because they couldn’t find leashes,” said firefighter and pet safety advocate Jason McBride. “A little preparation goes a long way.”

Microchipping your pet and keeping ID tags up to date is essential. If a frightened dog bolts or a cat slips out during an evacuation, this is what helps bring them home.

Pet Alert Stickers Can Make a Big Difference

You’ve probably seen those little “Pet Inside” stickers on windows and doors. They’re not just for show; emergency responders really do look for them.

“We always check the entryways for pet alert decals,” said firefighter Laura Kim from Denver, Colorado. “If we know there’s a dog or cat inside, we’ll do everything we can to get them out.”

These stickers are inexpensive, and many shelters and vet offices offer them for free.

Include Pets in Your Escape Plan

Every household should have a fire escape plan, but make sure it includes your pets. Assign one person to be responsible for each pet, and do occasional practice runs so animals don’t panic when it counts.

“We’ve trained our dog Rufus to go to the door when the smoke alarm goes off,” said Marcus Hill from Austin, Texas. “It’s not perfect, but he knows something’s up when he hears it.”

If your pets tend to hide when frightened, try to identify their go-to hiding spots and keep them accessible.

When You’re Not Home

Many fires happen while owners are away, which makes it even more important to minimize risk. Unplug small appliances, keep doors closed to limit your pet’s roaming, and consider using smart smoke detectors that can alert you remotely.

“I check our pet cam during my lunch break,” said Melissa. “It’s saved my sanity more than once.”

In the end, it’s not about being paranoid, it’s about being prepared. A few simple steps today could be the reason your pet makes it out tomorrow. And for most of us, that’s more than enough reason to act.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Nevena Nacic

Nevena is a freelance writer and a proud mom of Teo, a 17-year-old poodle, and Bob, a rescued grey tabby cat. Since childhood, she had a habit of picking up strays and bringing them home (luckily, her parents didn't know how to say NO). When she's not writing for her fellow pet parents, Nevena can be found watching Teo sleep. To her defense, that's not as creepy as it sounds!

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