Making Friends: Introduction & Socialization Tips
Adding a pet to your happy household? These tips can help make the transition less hairy.
As pet parents, we never want to imagine a scenario where our furry family members are in danger. However, with so many pets affected by house fires each year, the most loving thing we can do is plan ahead… just in case. A fire is scary for everyone – including your li'l buddy – but following these steps can help prepare you for an emergency fire situation, making you and your pet feel safer and less stressed.
Everyone knows that smoke detectors are a necessity. However, a lot of people forget to change the batteries. Your pet fire safety plan should start with making sure you have multiple smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home and taking care to change the batteries twice a year.
As a pet parent, you may also want to consider purchasing a monitored smoke detector, especially if your furry friend spends a lot of time home alone. A monitored smoke detector will notify the fire department if a fire starts while you’re away.
Basic safety also includes ensuring that your pet pal is wearing a collar with proper identification (including their up-to-date license) at all times. If you haven't yet, it's a good idea to consider microchipping your pet just in case you ever get separated during an emergency.
On average, there are 790 house fires are started by pets each year, according to estimates by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).This means that a big part of your pet fire safety plan should be eliminating risks in terms of your dog or cat. Here are some of the primary risks and how you can help mitigate them:
In an ideal scenario, if a fire breaks out, you’ll be home to lead your pet to safety. However, you should take a few precautions in case your pal is home alone when a fire starts.
If you can, keep your pet near an exit while you’re away so they will have a better chance of getting out. You can use pet gates to keep them in a designated area close to an exit.
It's also smart to get a pet fire safety sticker. You can hang this cling in a visible window to alert firefighters that you have furry family members inside. The sticker will list important information, such as the number of pets, type of pets, and veterinarian contact information.
Get a free sticker today from our strategic partner The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®)!
Just like your typical escape plan, your pet fire escape strategy starts with identifying all of the exits and planning your evacuation route. If the main doors are blocked, which windows can you use to get out? If a staircase is impassable, how else can you evacuate? Also, designate an outside meeting place for all household members that is a safe distance from the home. Here are a few fire escape tips specific to pet parents:
It's important to remember that no matter how much we love our pets, we shouldn't put our own lives, or the lives of our human family members, in danger during a fire. If you cannot locate your pet, you must evacuate. Once you're out of your home, you should not go back inside for any reason, but you may inform the fire department that your pet is inside. The professionals will work their hardest to rescue your four-legged friend.
If your home suffers fire damage, chances are it will be uninhabitable for a period of time. It's a good idea to plan ahead for where your dog or cat can stay during this time. Do you have a family member, neighbor, or close friend who would be willing to take in your pet until you can move back home? If not, you may want to research your options in advance.
Learn more about how pet insurance could help you cover your pet’s eligible veterinary care expenses.
If your pet suffers an injury during a fire, you should take them to a veterinarian or emergency veterinarian clinic as soon as possible. However, knowing some basic pet first-aid can make a big difference in an emergency situation.
It's a good idea to assemble a pet first aid kit ahead of time with items such as gauze pads, alcohol wipes, ice packs, antibiotic ointment, and towels, just to name a few. Learning how to perform CPR on your pet can also be a life-saving decision. In the meantime, here are some first-aid basics to remember:
Looking for another way to help protect your pal? Don't wait for a disaster to strike — get an ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan to help cover routine visits and unexpected costs. With a range of customizable options, you can ensure your pet receives the best care possible, no matter what happens. Start by getting a personalized quote today and take the first step towards safeguarding your furry friend’s health and well-being.
An ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan can help you with eligible costs for covered conditions like surgery expenses for accidents and help provide peace of mind that your pet can receive the care they need. Check out our online resources to learn more about your insurance options and get a free quote today. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.
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