Pet Fire Safety Tips for Home and Barn: How to Protect Your Animals

National Pet Fire Safety Day is July 15, and it serves as an important reminder that house fires affect nearly 500,000 pets each year. In some cases, pets may even trigger fires by knocking over candles or accidentally turning stove knobs. But with a few simple precautions, you can dramatically reduce the risks.

At Oliver Mobile Veterinary Services, we work with clients across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan to help keep animals safe not only during exams, but also in their everyday environments.

Whether you're caring for indoor pets or managing a working barn, these pet fire safety tips for home and barn can help protect your animals in an emergency.

Pet Fire Safety Tips for Home and Barn Checklist

1. Extinguish and Unplug

• Blow out candles before leaving the room

• Turn off stove tops and unplug heat-generating appliances• Use knob covers on stoves to prevent pets from turning them on

2. Tuck Away Hazards

• Hide or cover electrical cords that pets may chew

• Avoid placing open flames or heaters near where pets sleep or play

3. Test Smoke Detectors Monthly

• Make it a habit to check alarms regularly

• Change batteries at least twice a year

4. Secure Pets When You Leave

• Keep animals in a room near an exit when you’re not home

• This gives firefighters a better chance of reaching them quickly

5. Add a Pet-Alert Window Sticker

• Let first responders know what animals are inside

• Request a free kit from the ASPCA here:https://secure.aspca.org/take-action/pet-safety-pack

6. Keep Leashes and Carriers by Every Exit

• Store halters, leashes, and carriers in easy-to-grab spots

• Include horses, goats, or other livestock in your evacuation plan

7. Practice Fire Drills with Your Family and Pets

• Walk through an escape route

• Practice loading pets into carriers, trailers, or vehicles

8. Microchip All Pets

• If your pet is separated from you during a fire, a microchip increases the chance of a reunion

• Make sure your contact info is current

Need Help Creating a Fire Safety Plan?

From home setups to full-scale barn operations, we can help you identify potential risks and create a custom fire safety strategy tailored to your animals and layout.

Oliver Mobile Veterinary Services is here to support pet and livestock safety across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

📞 Call: 419.345.1093

🌐 Visit: www.olivermobilevet.com