Advice for pet owners
Everyday electrical devices and appliances can pose significant risks to your pets. Our simple tips help you keep your animal companions safe and well.
All animals are curious and love exploring their surroundings, often using their mouths, tongues and noses to investigate objects more closely.
Unfortunately, this can put them at risk of injuries involving electricity and electric products.
These incidents cause physical harm, as well as costly veterinary bills and emotional distress for both pets and their owners.
But a few simple electrical safety measures can significantly reduce the chances of your pet falling victim to preventable accidents.
Don't delay
If you suspect your pet has suffered an electrical injury, seek veterinary care immediately.
Even if your pet appears fine, it should be medically evaluated as soon as possible especially, as internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Keeping pets electrically safe
- The most common culprits are stoves and cooktops so keep all appliances switched off when not in use and keep a close eye on your pet when they are near appliances being used.
- Avoid leaving cables trailing because, as well as being a trip hazard, they could be irresistible for a pet looking for something to chew or play with. Use cable covers, tape them down or hide them behind furniture, well out of the way.
- Don’t leave a portable heater or fan unattended when your pets are running around the house.
- Try to keep lamps and other appliances on higher surfaces if possible and ensure they are stable in case your pet manages to knock into them.
- Make sure your pets don't curl up on any warm electrical appliances, such as a microwave oven, computer, or laptops. They could block vital air vents and the appliance may overheat.
- If you have an aquarium, keep it away from electrical devices and cables as water and electricity is a dangerous mix.
Selected FAQs
Answers to commonly-asked questions we receive about electrical safety.
There should be a minimum of one smoke alarm per floor with a heat detector in the kitchen. You should fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start. Make sure they are tested regularly - ideally every week.
To find a registered electrician near you, please go to the Find an Electrician section of this website where you will find information specific to your region of the UK.
It is likely that you can but this does depend on your electrical installation - a registered electrician will be able to advise you whether it can be done - they will assess the load, circuit type and cable rating. You can find one local to you here.
It depends on its condition rather than its age, if it has been tested and is in good condition and everything is working effectively there is no requirement to rewire. However, you may wish to consider adding RCDs to enhance the safety of the installation.
A qualified electrician will say if your home needs rewiring and what can be achieved within a specific budget.
You can find an electrician local to you here.
You should contact either Trading Standards or Citizens Advice to register your concern.
If you want to forward us supporting documentation and images relating to the product, we can objectively review its safety. Send it to enquiries@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk
Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.
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