NORTH PERTH – The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth (HSKWSP) has partnered with fire departments across Perth County to launch an emergency decal to help keep pets safe in the event of a fire or another life-threatening emergency.
Fire services from the City of Stratford, Town of St. Marys, Township of Perth East, Municipality of West Perth and Municipality of North Perth have joined forces in support of the decal, with the goal to quickly identify what pets, as well as how many, are in a home when an emergency strikes.
“The North Perth Fire Department (NPFD) is extremely pleased to be included in this partnership with the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth,” stated Janny Pape, manager of development & protective services/fire chief for the Municipality of North Perth. “The decals let first responders know that a pet is present, increasing the pet’s chances of survival in an emergency. The NPFD is happy to be involved in an initiative aimed at increasing pet safety,”
The HSKWSP is committed to keeping people and pets together, which means helping to keep pets safe in the first place. The static cling decals can be filled in, then placed inside a window at the front door, or close by, where first responders can easily spot it.
“We received instant support from the fire departments across Perth County for this initiative, and we are so incredibly thankful for their partnership,” said Calla James, director of community engagement and outreach, HSKWSP. “Pets are family, and it’s incredibly important to their owners that they are kept safe. Having a decal in the front window or door of their home is just one extra step they can take to ensure their pets are looked after in the event of an emergency.”
Decals will be available at each fire station and the Humane Society’s Stratford Perth Animal Centre at 125 Griffith Road. While they are free, the group is asking for a donation of any amount to support HSKWSP’s Pet Pantry program. Funds will be used to provide pet food and supplies to Perth County pet owners experiencing a crisis.
For more information on the decals or other initiatives, please visit the Humane Society’s website at kwsphumane.ca.