Today, the majority of American families own pets. As important members of your household, it's vital to make pets feel at home and take the necessary measures to protect them. If you're finding it difficult to find a pet-friendly house in a safe and welcoming neighborhood, our real estate agents can help you out.

In honor of National Pet Fire Safety Day, on July 15th, here are some ways you can make your home safer for your furry friends.

• Prevent Your Pets From Starting Fires
  Pets start nearly 1,000 home fires every year, making it necessary to pet-proof your home and eliminate any potential hazards, such as loose wires. Other tips include:

• • Lock or cover stove knobs. Your pet may nudge the knobs just enough to ignite the burners.
  • Do not leave candles unattended. It's a good idea to extinguish all open flames so a stray tail or paw doesn't tip them over.
  • Beware of glass water bowls on wooden decks, especially on hot summer days. Hot rays from the sun can ignite wood when filtered through glass.
    
    
• Map Out a Safe Haven
  Disasters can happen without warning. In the event of one, would you know what to do to protect your pet? Having a plan ensures you're prepared for the worst. Know your options beforehand should you need to evacuate.

• • Plan where you'll stay in case you need to evacuate your home. Start by making a list of pet-friendly hotels in your area. You have to consider that pets might not be allowed in local shelters or disaster evacuation centers.
  • Create a buddy system in case you can't retrieve your pet during an emergency. Make friends with your neighbors, ask them to check on your animals, and evacuate them if necessary.
  • Create an emergency kit for your pet that includes food, water, medications, and medical records. Don't forget to keep your vet's contact information handy considering most pets die from smoke inhalation.
    
    
• Practice Evacuating Your Pet
  Do you know how your pet would react in case of a fire? Knowing how your pet behaves when they're scared is paramount to protecting them. For instance, you don't want your dog running back into a burning house because it's the only place they feel safe.
  
  Have your family practice an evacuation plan. This way, everyone knows where to find the pets and what to take when evacuating.
  
  
• Help Firefighters Save Your Pets
  Scared pets are difficult to control, so it's a good idea to keep your dogs collared. Mark windows with emergency stickers that notify firefighters of the people and animals living in your home. A pet alert window saves rescuers time as they can easily tell the number and kind of animals you have.
  
  Also, keep pets near entrances when you're away from home so they can easily be saved in case of a fire or any other emergency.
  
  
• Think About Investing in a Pet Microchip
  A microchip is a permanent means of electronic ID implanted at the back of your pet's neck. Microchipping can help in the pet recovery process in case they get lost. A permanent ID improves their chances of coming back home to you.
  
  Pet insurance is another safety measure that can help cover veterinary bills in case of injury or illness as a result of an emergency.

Looking for a Pet-Friendly Home?

Our Atlanta homes for sales are located near dog parks and are in great proximity to veterinary clinics, groomers, and pet supply stores. Contact us today so we can find an excellent place for your family to call home.