June 18, 2025

Emergency Pet Evacuation Plan and Guide in UAE

Emergency Pet Fire Plan

On a recent weekend, Tiger Tower in Dubai Marina became the scene of a devastating fire. While no human lives were lost, the disaster raised urgent questions for pet owners in the UAE: What happens to our pets in a fire? How prepared are we to save them?

When emergencies strike, every second counts—and pets are often the most vulnerable members of the household. Whether you live in an apartment in Dubai Marina, JLT, or Abu Dhabi Corniche, having a clear fire evacuation plan for pets is not just smart—it’s essential.

Why Pets Are at High Risk During Fires in the UAE

In high-rise buildings across the UAE, pet evacuation is rarely included in building-wide fire drills or emergency protocols. But as every pet parent knows, animals don’t always respond well to loud alarms, flashing lights, or smoke.

During the Tiger Tower fire, many residents had to evacuate suddenly—some were barefoot, others half-asleep—and not all pets were accounted for in the chaos. Sadly, this is all too common.

Pet Emergency Grab Bag: What Every UAE Pet Owner Needs

One of the best ways to protect your pets is to prepare a pet emergency grab bag. This is a ready-to-go kit that includes essentials your pet needs if you must leave quickly.

Pet Grab Bag Checklist:

Collar, leash, or harness with updated ID tag
Pet carrier or crate
3-day supply of food & treats
Collapsible water bowl and bottled water
Copies of medical records and microchip details
Medications with dosage info
Blanket or towel
Comfort toy
Waste bags or litter
A recent printed photo of your pet

FREE PRINTABLE PET ALERT STICKER

We’ve created a free Pet Alert Sticker you can print and place on your front door or window. This lets first responders know that there are pets inside who may need help.

🖨️ Download the sticker (PDF)

Fire evacuation plan for pet parents

If you live in a building with elevators and stairwells, it’s critical to:

Practise locating your pet in under 30 seconds

Assign one family member to handle pet evacuation

Keep your grab bag close to the exit

Ensure pets are microchipped and registered with local databases ( relevant authorities and Where My Paws At )

Know your building’s emergency assembly point

We are actively working to launch EmPRR (Emergency Pet Response & Readiness) across UAE residential towers to help pets be accounted for in evacuation planning, more updates will be announced shortly.

Why every cat parent in the UAE needs Where My Paws At pet app

Where My Paws At is the first and only pet safety app in the UAE, designed to help pet parents keep their pets safe. It offers features such as:

Lost & Found Pet Alerts: Instantly notify the community if your pet goes missing, increasing the chances of a quick reunion.
Pet Profile Creation: Store essential pet details, including medical records, microchip info, and emergency contacts.
Location-Based Services: Find nearby vets, pet-friendly places, groomers, and essential pet services.
Community Connection: Connect with other pet owners, share experiences, and get advice on pet care and safety.

By registering your pet on Where My Paws At, you take an extra step in ensuring their safety and making the UAE a safer place for pets.

Keeping your pets safe requires proactive parenting. By following these guidelines, you can be prepared in an emergency. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and most importantly, shower your pet with love and care!

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