National Pet Fire Safety Day | How to Keep Your Pet Safe In Case of A Fire

Every year on July 15, National Pet Fire Safety Day raises awareness about protecting pets in the event of a fire. It’s a vital reminder that preparedness saves lives. Living in San Francisco, California, means enjoying a beautiful, vibrant city—but with a housing stock of wooden Victorian homes there is always a risk of fire.  As a pet parent in the Bay Area, it’s crucial to take extra precautions when it comes to fire safety for pets. Whether you’re dealing with wildfire threats in nearby areas, being prepared can make all the difference. This guide will walk you through essential fire safety tips for San Francisco residents, emergency pet evacuation planning, and how to keep your pets safe before, during, and after a fire emergency.

Here are 10 ways to prepare for and keep your pets safe during a fire:

1. Include your pets in your evacuation plan
   Decide in advance who will grab the leash, crate, or carrier—and where everyone will meet outside.
2. Prepare a pet “Go Kit”
   Pack essentials in an easy to grab bag: at least 7 days of food and water, medications, veterinary records, leash/collar/ID tags, crate/carrier, towel or blanket, favorite toy, waste bags, and copies of microchip information.
3. Keep leashes and carriers near exits
   Store them by doors so you can evacuate quickly.
4. Display pet alert window clings
   Let firefighters know how many pets are inside and where they might be.
5. Carry pets out properly
   Use crates, carriers, slings, or towels to protect them from smoke and reduce panic.
6. Stay out of the building
   Never re-enter a burning structure—firefighters are trained to rescue pets if informed.
7. Crate train your dog
   Help your dog see the crate as a safe space to make evacuations smoother. Start with short, positive sessions—feed and play inside with the door open, then close the door briefly to build comfort.
8. Pet-proof your home
   Make sure electric cords are out of reach, unplug appliances when not in use, and block access to risky areas.
9. Update IDs and microchips
   Ensure collars have current tags and microchip registrations are up to date—crucial if your pet escapes during an emergency.
10. Know your San Francisco resources

• San Francisco Animal Care & Control (SFACC): Offers disaster prep brochures, crate training tips, low-cost microchipping, and guidance on assembling pet disaster kits.

• California Animal Response Emergency System (CA ARES): Provides downloadable pet emergency checklists and planning resources.

• San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD): Fire trucks and ambulances are equipped with pet oxygen masks to treat animals suffering from smoke inhalation. Contact SFFD for safety advice and community preparedness resources.

• California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire): Offers pet-specific fire safety guidance.

A little preparation can go a long way in keeping your pets safe.

Thanks for reading.