Pet parents urged to use this simple front-door sticker that could save their furry friends in a fire — and it’s free to get today
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of pet loss that some readers may find distressing.
Losing pets is a grief that cannot be explained. But losing them to a serious accident, such as a fire, is something pet owners can never come to terms with. When the Piedmont Fire Department arrived at a trailer house fire, they were met not only with flames but a heartbreaking sight that led them to start a life-saving initiative. Here's how the fire department launched free window decals for pet owners that signal to firefighters the presence of animals inside a home, according to the reports from October 9, 2025. The stickers can now be availed for free.
When the firefighters at the Piedmont Fire Department arrived at the trailer house fire situation, they were devastated by what they saw. Assistant Fire Chief Pat Gerdes revealed to Kota Territory that they could not save the pet despite the homeowner's plea. "The dog happened to be in a bedroom and behind a closed door. We went in and did the initial knockdown on the fire, came outside, and the homeowners were out there, saying, 'Save my dog,' but it was too late; the dog had been in that smoke-filled room for too long," Gerdes recalled. Following the harrowing incident, the department decided to use it as a catalyst to launch the new life-saving initiative.
After his discussion with a firefighter friend, Gerdes brought up the idea of pet decals back to Piedmont, and the department rolled it out. They offered decals freely, which can be paired with a donation if residents choose to support the cause. Pet decals alert first responders if pets are inside a house or a vehicle, which aids during emergencies. These stickers enable firefighters to approach with caution and locate them quickly in the event of an emergency. Some organizations provide free pet alert decals to help notify first responders. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) offers a free Pet Safety Pack, which includes a pet rescue window sticker. All that needs to be done is fill in the form and provide contact information, and once the sticker is delivered, pet owners can place it in visible spots near doors and windows.
This small initiative could make a life-saving difference for pets who can’t call for help themselves. Despite firefighters’ best efforts, many animals remain trapped simply because rescuers don’t know they’re inside. In a study conducted by the American Humane Society, it has been noted that an estimated 40,000 pets die each year in U.S. home fires, with the vast majority of these deaths occurring due to smoke inhalation. The study also emphasizes timely intervention through immediately letting first responders know that the pet is still inside.
If you’re grieving the loss of a companion animal, please reach out to Cornell Pet Loss Support Hotline at 1‑607‑218‑7457.