July 15 is National Pet Fire Safety Day, started by the American Kennel Club and ADT Security in 2009 to help pet owners think through fire risks most people never consider. It is a good excuse to spend fifteen minutes walking through your home with your pet’s safety in mind.

How Pets Can Accidentally Start a Fire

It sounds unlikely until you think it through. Curious dogs and cats bump stove knobs while counter surfing, knock over candles with a wagging tail, or chew through cords and leave them exposed. None of these are dramatic scenarios, they are just ordinary pet behavior meeting an ordinary household hazard.

A Quick Pet-Proofing Checklist

  • Remove or cover stove knobs if your pet has access to the kitchen unsupervised
  • Switch to flameless candles, especially in rooms your pet spends time in
  • Secure loose cords and chargers out of chewing range
  • Swap glass outdoor water bowls for stainless steel or ceramic, since glass can act like a magnifying lens in direct sun on a wooden deck
  • Keep a leash or carrier near the exit you would use in an emergency, so grabbing your pet does not cost you precious time

Make Your Pet Easy to Find in an Emergency

Firefighters cannot help pets they do not know are there. A simple window cling near your front door listing the number and type of pets inside can save critical time. Many local fire departments hand these out for free, and some offer them specifically around July 15 each year.

It is also worth making sure your pet’s collar tags and microchip information are current, since a pet that escapes during an emergency needs a way to get back to you.

Practice the Plan

Just like a family fire drill, it helps to actually practice grabbing your pet and leaving. Decide in advance who is responsible for which pet if you have more than one, and know where your pet tends to hide when startled, since that is exactly where they will likely go during a real emergency.

Quick Answer

Should I go back inside for my pet during a fire? No. Fire officials are consistent on this point: never re-enter a burning building for a pet. Call for them from outside, and tell firefighters immediately that a pet is still inside so they can look for them.

None of this takes long, and most of it costs nothing. Take fifteen minutes this week to walk through your home with fresh eyes. Your pet will thank you for it, even if they never know why.