Pilot Project To Address A Growing National Issue For First Responders

DENVER - April 6, 2023 - PRLog -- First responders are the brave individuals who are the first to respond to an emergency situation, often putting themselves in harm's way to save lives and protect property. However, one challenge that they often face is dealing with aggressive pets at the scene of an emergency.

Aggressive pets can pose a serious threat to first responders, as they may attack without warning or provocation. This can be especially problematic for firefighters, police officers, and paramedics who need to enter a property to perform their duties. In many cases, pets are fiercely protective of their owners and their territory, which can make it difficult for first responders to gain access to the premises.

LifePet.Care, a pet care administrator and Senior Housing Options, a non-profit organization providing affordable housing to older adults throughout Colorado have begun the first pilot project to help older adults make a pet contingency plan where they are asked to provide the names of people who can care for their pets, in the event they are unable, either temporarily or permanently. What's unique about the program is that pet caregivers have to sign off on the responsibility before the pet owner can name them as the contact.

On the questionnaire that the senior tenants must complete there are a series of questions concerning animal temperament. Pet Smart Resident stickers will be provided on all domiciles with pets.

If the animal is deemed dangerous to strangers, the sticker with a QR code alerting first responders of the situation before they enter. However, some first responders are unable to use their cellphones on their job, in these situations an alternative method has been set up for the first responders to know if there is a potential risk with regards to household pets.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of first responders, there have been cases where pets have attacked and seriously injured or even killed emergency personnel. In some cases, these attacks have been the result of owners failing to properly secure their pets or failing to recognize the potential danger that their pets pose to others.

So this is why the pilot has been deemed essential in reducing first responders risk to animal attacks. If successful, it is hoped that municipalities will have specialized training programs to educate their members on a standardized protocol to ensure their safety.

In the event where the tenant is in a crisis situation, the Pet-Smart Resident stickers will also be used in the placement program alerting animal control whether the pet is family friendly to be placed in temporary family foster care homes.
To learn more visit:
https://lifepet.care