Pet Fire Safety Tips You Must Know!
July 8, 2025
Neda Khanifar
As wildfires become more frequent and severe across Canada, developing a wildfire safety culture is no longer optional, it’s a necessity. But amid the rush to protect ourselves and our homes, one important question often gets overlooked:
What about our pets?
Just like humans, pets need planning, protection, and training during emergencies. The best way to keep them safe is to treat them like what they are: family.
During disasters like wildfires, many people assume that only human lives matter. But the truth is, pets are part of our families and they deserve the same level of care and preparedness.
Many Canadian households are actively searching for ways to protect their animals during wildfires. That’s why, in this article from SenseNet, we’ll walk you through exactly how to prepare and care for your pets when disaster strikes.
1. Prepare an Emergency Kit for Your Pet
Just like every family member, your pet needs a dedicated go-bag with essential items.
Create an emergency pet kit with the following:
- Dry food and treats
- Clean water and a collapsible bowl
- Hygiene products (litter, poop bags, wipes)
- A copy of medical records and medications
- A leash or carrier
- A familiar toy or blanket for comfort
Keep this kit in a safe but easily accessible spot, ideally next to your family’s emergency supplies. In the event of a sudden evacuation, you won’t have time to gather supplies, you’ll need to grab and go.
2. Pet-Specific Fire Safety Training
Did you know that more than 1,000 house fires each year are caused by pets? Accidental fires caused by curious animals are more common than you might think.
That’s why it’s crucial to provide pet-specific safety training and create a fire-aware home environment. Here are a few practical steps:
- Always Extinguish Open Flames
- Pets, like toddlers, are naturally curious about warm, glowing objects especially fire. A burning candle, fireplace, or space heater can quickly attract their attention.
- To prevent disaster:
- Never leave open flames unattended.
- Extinguish all unnecessary fires (candles, heaters, fireplaces) before leaving home.
- Secure or block access to any appliances or outlets that could pose fire risks.
This simple habit can eliminate one of the most preventable fire hazards in pet-friendly homes.
Remove Stove Knobs Before Leaving Home
You’ve probably seen those viral videos of cats and dogs playing with stove knobs, they might seem funny at first, but in reality, they can be deadly.
Accidental gas ignition caused by pets fiddling with stove knobs has led to explosions and major fires.
So here’s a crucial safety tip:
Remove the stove knobs before leaving the house, and store them in a secure, hidden location your pets can’t access.
Invest in Pet-Safe Candles
Some candles on the market now come with protective covers or are flameless, making them a much safer option for pet households. These enclosed flame designs reduce the risk of open fire accidents.
Why does this matter?
A cat’s tail can easily knock over a burning candle.
The result? A fire that can spread in seconds.
Switching to safer candle options is a small step that can prevent a massive catastrophe.
Supervise Young Pets Around Fire Hazards
Kittens, puppies, and other young pets are especially curious and unaware of the dangers around them. Their playfulness can quickly lead to fire hazards if left unsupervised near:
- Space heaters
- Stoves and ovens
- Electrical cords
- Candles or fireplaces
Protect them by keeping them away from risky areas, especially if you live in wildfire-prone zones. Prevention is always easier than rescue.
Help Firefighters Rescue Your Pet
In the event of a fire when you’re away from home:
- Keep your pet near an entry point, such as close to the front door, where they are easier to find.
- Have the pet’s leash or carrier in a visible spot near the entrance.
- Confine your pet to one room before leaving the house, especially during high-risk wildfire periods, so firefighters can locate and assist them quickly.
These small actions can make all the difference in an emergency rescue.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you live in an area with a high wildfire risk, these safety steps are not optional, they’re essential.
Over the past few years in Canada, thousands of pets have tragically perished in wildfires because there wasn’t enough time or planning. As wildfire patterns change and early warning systems improve, we still only have minutes to respond.
The more prepared we are, the better we can use those precious minutes to protect everyone including our pets.
Final Thoughts
Saving your pet in a wildfire starts long before the flames reach your door. It begins with removing risks and being proactive.
With just a bit of planning and awareness, you can ensure that every member of your family, furry or not, stays safe.