Fire Safety for Pets - July 2025

Friends of the Riney Canine Health Center,   

Thank you for joining our pack! I’m Brian Collins, an extension associate for the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, and I’m pleased to share this month’s “From the Vet’s Desk” monthly health tip with our members.

July 15^th is National Pet Fire Safety Day so I wanted to take this opportunity to share some information from the perspective of a veterinarian and volunteer firefighter regarding what we can do to help prevent fires and keep our pets safe in the event of a fire in the home. The statistics involving pets and fires are sobering. Though house fires can occur for many reasons, The National Fire Protection Association reports that about 1,000 fires each year are actually caused by the activity of dogs and cats. Sadly, residential fires claim the lives of approximately 40,000 pets annually, usually due to complications from smoke inhalation, and as many as 500,000 pets are injured.

How do pets cause fires?

Most residential fires start in the kitchen, and the most common pet-related cause of home fires are from pets accidentally turning on the kitchen stove. The knobs can be turned on by cats walking across them or by dogs jumping up and hitting them with a paw or by chewing on them. Candles also pose a fire risk because they’re easily knocked over or fur can catch on fire, leading to burns, and fire can spread as the cat or dog move about the home. Dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens, love to chew and will chew on electrical cords, leading to burns or electrocution, and damaged wires can cause nearby material to ignite.

Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires.

In 2024 a housefire in Oklahoma started after a dog managed to obtain and chew open a power bank containing a lithium-ion battery. Sparks ignited the dog bed which then spread to another dog bed and a couch. Fortunately, both dogs and a cat survived by escaping through a dog door.

A bowl of water can cause fires?

In Seattle in 2009, it was determined that a house fire was caused by a glass dog water bowl which acted like a magnifying glass when it focused the sunlight on the wooden deck, resulting in a fire. Fortunately, neighbors noticed the blaze and the family dog was saved.

What steps can we take to keep our human, cat and dog family members safe?

• Make sure you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Test them monthly. If they contain batteries, remember to change them every six months. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will send prompt alerts to your smart phone.
• Have fire extinguishers available and learn how to use them properly.
• If you have a stove with knobs place covers over the knobs when not in use or remove them until needed.
• Unplug kitchen appliances when not in use.  
• Restrict pets from kitchens and away from fireplaces and outdoor grills.
• Use flameless (with light bulbs) candles. They can look great and are much safer.
• Keep chargers and batteries out of the reach of your pets and dispose of them properly.
• Protect electrical cords from curious pets by keeping them out of reach or covering with cord protectors. Replace damaged cords or appliances if any damage is detected.
• Stainless steel, ceramic, or opaque plastic water bowls are safer options than glass.

Prepare ahead in the event of a fire:

• Update pet ID information on collars and the microchip database.
• Have a pet carrier readily available for small dogs and cats.
• Have leashes, collars, harnesses available near an exit or in your vehicle.
• Have an updated decal on a front door or window indicating how many pets are in the home.
• Practice a home fire escape plan including how to take your pets with you.

What should we do in the event of a fire?

• Alert everyone in the residence.
• Call 911.
• Use your extinguisher if the fire is small and contained, if the room isn’t filled with smoke, and if you have a safe escape route.
• Exit your house ASAP, taking your pets with you as practiced.
• If there is smoke, get down below the smoke as you exit the building.
• Do not go back inside.
• Close doors behind you to help contain the fire.
• More information from the Red Cross can be found

Many first responders are trained in pet first aid and are equipped to provide oxygen to your pet if necessary until they can be safely transported to the nearest veterinary hospital.

Information from the U.S. Fire Administration about fire extinguishers can be found here.

Information from the National Fire Protection Association about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can be found here.

National Pet Fire Safety Day is a reminder that planning ahead can save lives. Set aside some time soon to walk through your home and prepare ahead to make sure all your family members are truly protected.

As always, thank you for being a Riney Canine Health Center member. We look forward to catching up with you next month!

Dr. Brian Collins, D.V.M. ‘94

For information on canine health topics please visit our website