Fire Safety: Pets Left Home Alone

Question

I live in a single story home with my three dogs- one bulldog mix, one golden retriever mix, and one yorkie. Lately, I've become so paranoid (for no apparent reason other than worrying) about their safety while I'm at work. What if there is a fire? What would happen to my babies?

I have a 'Pet Alert' sticker to notify fire fighters that I do have pets within my home, but I am afraid they would have difficulty getting the three of them out in the event of a fire.

Normally, for anyone else, I'd suggest the best answer would be to install a pet door leading into the backyard- a safe exit for them. However, my golden jumps the privacy fence (despite numerous training sessions, electric wires, special collars, etc...) and cannot be outside unattended- he would be gone the moment he realized he had free reign of the indoors/outdoors. As you can see, a pet door is not the ideal answer for my situation.

Any suggestions from fellow animal owners? What makes you feel more comfortable leaving your pets inside your home while you're away? Do you just leave them outdoors while you're at work or away for the day?

KMS Woodworks · Answer

We have three dogs, two little Smooth coat Brussels, and a white husky. The husky spends about 1/2 her time outside. She pretty much stays in the yard but does get out to visit some of her canine buddies. If we did not live in a somewhat isolated neighborhood I would have to have her either inside or in some type of enclosure. 
 It sounds like your privacy fence is too short. One possibility would be to make some modifications so he can not get out. Another option is a fully enclosed kennel...one that is a bit smaller but has a top.

Our two small dogs actually get to go to work with my sweetie...she is lucky enough to have a job where this is allowed.

Kristalyn · Answer

Thank you for a reply @KMS Woodworks. 
Do you have a doggie door for your smaller two to go in and out as they please? I also worry about my other two getting out of the house in the event of a fire.
I believe I might have to install something around the top of my fence so my jumper cannot escape or possibly build on a fence-enclosed dog run that they could go into if a fire did occur.

KMS Woodworks · Answer

Most home fires are caused by stupid accidents (when people are home...like candles left burning, smoking in bed, cooking 'accidents' , kids playing with matches.) http://bafd.webs.com/top10causesofhousefires.htm Heating systems and poor wiring are the basic unknowns. If your home is old having your heating system inspected regularly can prevent these types of fires. Electrical fires are also very rare in newer homes that have been built to proper NEC codes. Our little dogs only spend a few hour at most alone at home. Unfortunately the layout of our home does not allow for a dog door type set up. My house is built on 'stilts' and only has one small area the opens out at ground level.

Lorah Marquardt · Answer

My two border collies are crated when I'm not home. Not only does it save my cats from being 'herded' all day, but I feel better knowing they couldn't go hide in a closet or under furniture in the event of a fire.

SafeTouch Security Systems · Answer

@Kristalyn - We completely understand your need to protect your pets. Below is a link to suggestions we make to pet owners to keep your 4-legged family members safe all year round. As for protecting your home in the event of a fire, choose an alarm company that will give you the option to connect your smoke detector to your home security system. Hope this helps! - SafeTouch Security in Florida http://www.blog.safetouch.com/2013/11/22/home-security-pet-safety-for-all-seasons/

Fire Safety: Pets Left Home Alone

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