TIFTON — The Tifton Fire Department is partnering with local veterinarians to help keep pets safe during fire emergencies.

The city’s veterinary offices are now stocked with animal and pet alert clings provided by the fire department for local residents to pick up and place in their homes, informing firefighters and first responders of the presence of their pets during a house fire.

Local residents can place these clings in their windows, alerting rescue workers on the scene of any pets they may have and how many they own for them to keep a look out for and rescue.

“A pet is important to a household and a family–they’re something that don’t get considered very often,” said Samantha Diaz, a member of the department’s Fire Prevention division. “We’ve had a few fires where pets were not rescued in time, and it’s a very sad and disappointing state [the family] has to contend with.

Alongside working to keep pets safe during these emergencies, the fire department hopes this program will dissuade residents from reentering their homes during a fire to retrieve their pets by assuring them their dogs, cats, birds, and other animal companions will be in the capable hands of the city’s firefighters.

The pet and animal alert clings will be available at all veterinarians in the city. For more information, contact the city fire department at (229)-391-3972.