In the case of a fire, NO ONE has time to start trying to remember what they need for their pets.

While these tips pertain to fires, they are relevant for any disaster, including tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and hurricanes. Our greatest hope is you will never need these tips, but if you do, a little planning ahead can make a big difference to you and your furry family member.

So make an emergency escape kit and find ways to duplicate important information:

  1. If possible keep cat carriers and dog leashes in a quickly accessible space- possibly in your bedroom or whatever space you are likely to be in case of a fire outbreak. You may not have time to run to the kitchen, attic or garage. In a pinch a pillow case can work for a cat and one of your own belts for a dog. You might be dropping them out a window and need to have control of a panicking animal outside. Use bedding and towels to try to create a soft landing, but a pet can survive a broken bone.
  2. If possible get them confined in a car and away from the house.
  3. Make sure your pet is microchipped.
  4. Have your record of vaccinations somewhere that will also survive the fire. Most boarding facilities need proof of current vaccines. If you might not have your smart phone with pet records on it, ask a friend or relative to keep copies of your pet’s vaccines. Remember, you may not be able to reach your animal hospital before you need to place the pet in a boarding facility.
  5. Pets can suffer burn wounds and smoke inhalation. Often paw pads and eyes seem to be the first part of the body to experience injury. Smoke inhalation can cause anything from mild lung irritation to fatal lung damage. Once you have seen to the care of your immediate family, try to get your pet to your regular veterinarian or an emergency facility, even if they seem relatively ok.

Pets can also contribute to unexpected fires.

  1. Don’t keep lit candles where cats can get to them or dogs bump the structure on which they sit.
  2. Be sure the front of a fireplace has a proper screen.
  3. Keep pets away from grills.

Have a safe and fun summer!