Cummingham Security Leads Pet Safety Push Amid Startling New Statistics

July 11, 2025 at 13:01 PM EDT

Cunningham Security Systems, a Portland, Maine-based provider of house and security alarm systems, has pointed out that an overwhelming number of US households with pets don’t link their pets to their alarm monitoring service.

This means that the first responders often aren’t aware of the presence of animals in danger, which further delays rescue efforts and increases risks. Now, the company is aiming to close that gap and push for greater awareness surrounding pet safety.

The safety of family members is the most important during a house fire, and for millions of Americans, that also includes their pets. Yet, according to the report by Cunningham Security Systems, more than 67 percent of US households don’t link their alarm systems to pet registration services.

This sheds light on a troubling disconnect because it would seem that only a fraction of American families include pet details in their emergency alert profiles with alarm monitoring providers. As a result, the first responders are often unaware of the presence of pets, many of whom are too often the silent victims in house fires and other emergencies. More alarming still, many security alarm providers don’t offer the ability to put pets on alarm monitoring profiles.

“At Cunningham Security, we understand pets are family,” said Dan Major, owner of Cunningham Security Systems. “Alarm companies and homeowners alike must do more to safeguard their pets during emergencies. By proactively registering pets with alarm providers, first responders can quickly and effectively protect every family member—including our beloved animals. We’re committed to leading this effort and raising awareness to ensure pets are never overlooked in an emergency situation.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that US fire departments respond to approximately 358 thousand home fires annually. These fires cause an average of 11 thousand injuries and more than 2,600 deaths each year. But what’s less frequently reported is the toll on pets. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, an estimated 500 thousand pets are affected by fires annually. More than 40 thousand pets perish due to smoke inhalation alone.

The team at Cunningham Security believes this is preventable, and the solution is relatively simple. By including pets in emergency response databases tied to alarm systems, homeowners can ensure that firefighters and other responders are equipped with critical knowledge in situations in which every second counts.

In many cases, knowing a pet is inside a burning home affects the tactics used by the responders during a rescue effort, from where firefighters search first to whether they bring pet oxygen masks on-site. So, Cunningham Security Systems’ initiative isn’t just about highlighting the problem but about offering solutions as well—homeowners should list their pets in emergency details.

In addition to urging homeowners to update their alarm information, Cunningham Security Systems has also launched a Pet Safety Survey to help families assess their current level of preparedness for an emergency and understand how to improve. This effort is a part of Cunningham Security Systems’ broader mission to modernize fire and alarm systems use across New England, from Boston to Bangor.

In addition to security and fire alarms, Cunningham Security Systems’ team also specializes in security cameras, access control systems, and fully integrated security platforms designed to protect both homes and businesses. Their systems are more than just advanced technology; they’re actually designed with real-world emergencies in mind, where details—like whether there are pets in the home—make all the difference.

“Protecting what we love most means planning for the unthinkable,” said Major. “And that means ensuring no one — not even our four-legged family members — is left behind.”

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For more information about Cunningham Security Systems, contact the company here:

Cunningham Security Systems
Daniel Major
207-846-3350
dmajor@cunninghamsecurity.com
325 US-1, Falmouth, ME 04105

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Cummingham Security Leads Pet Safety Push Amid Startling New Statistics

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