
While preparing for a pet friendly day trip, weekend camping excursion or months long cross continent drive, I clearly remember my father always checking and strategically placing our vehicle fire extinguishers. But my father was not the only traveling fire safety teacher I had. In fact, it was integral to have a second fire safety expert in my life because when my father lit his shirt sleeve on fire while lighting the campfire, it was my mother shouting "stop, drop and roll" that saved him from a worse burn on his arm. The night that my father burned his arm was also a good lesson in always knowing where the nearest hospital is located. That lesson translates in my adult pet travels to also always knowing where to find the nearest emergency vet. The big picture moral from my life with two fire safe travel role models is always be prepared and know what to do in case of any emergency. My father never used any of those of fire extinguishers he so carefully prepared and we never evacuated our home the way we had practiced in our family fire drills. And I will obviously never forget "stop, drop and roll." It always helps to practice and to be ready for anything.

Pet Friendly Camping: Ask the rangers about the park fire or emergency escape plan. It has been my experience that not all locations have an official or site specific plan so be prepared to make a personal campground fire escape plan. Remember that escape by vehicle may not be possible so prepare and be familiar with a walking route to safety. Safe places are usually the nearest ranger station, store or road. Always keep a fire extinguisher near tents and the camp stove. Do not allow pets near the camp stove. Do not allow pets near the campfire. I don't trust a leash or a tether to keep the pets a safe enough distance from the campfire. I always keep them safely confined in their crates or exercise pens. Never leave a campfire unattended or pets unattended near a campfire.
Road Trip Emergencies: Have a plan to evacuate traveling pets from a vehicle on fire or at risk of fire. I always keep my fire extinguisher and pet first aid kit within reach of the driver. The cat and cockatoo always travel in a crate but the leashes the dogs travel in are secured to the vehicle. There are emergency leashes in my pet first aid kit but I also try to pack the car so leashes are quickly available.
Fire First Aid: If the worst happens and a pet catches fire, smother the fire with a (preferably damp) towel, blanket or anything nearby that will rapidly deprive the burning fur or feathers of oxygen. Quickly put cool water on the burned area, followed by a cold compress and seek immediate veterinary help. Knowing pet first aid and CPR and having appropriately sized dog and cat CPR masks in a pet first aid kit can be lifesaving for a traumatized pet.

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