If you bought a small hot-and-cool fan to keep a pet room, crate area or travel corner comfortable, check the model before you plug it in again. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says Merkury Innovations recalled about 18,000 Hot + Cool Heating and Cooling Fans because they can overheat and create a fire hazard. The recall is not a pet-product recall, but it matters to pet owners because portable fans are often used near beds, crates, litter areas and sleeping pets during summer heat.

Why this fan recall matters to pet owners now

Summer shoppers are buying fans, cooling mats, pet strollers, crate accessories and small room devices to manage warm weather. A fan can make a room feel more comfortable, but it is still an electrical product. If it is recalled, placed badly or used as the only cooling plan for a vulnerable pet, the deal is no longer a deal.

CPSC’s June 11, 2026 recall covers the Merkury Innovations Hot + Cool Heating and Cooling Fan, model MI-DHC02. CPSC says the product was sold at TJMaxx, Marshalls and Sierra stores nationwide from October 2024 through October 2025 for about $30. The agency reported two incidents of the fan catching fire when connected to power, including one report of smoke damage to property, with no injuries reported at the time of the notice.

How to check whether your fan is part of the recall

Look for the model number before using the fan near any pet area. CPSC says the recalled unit is a portable hot-and-cool bladeless fan and heater with model number MI-DHC02, found on a white label on the bottom of the product and on the packaging.

If the model matches, CPSC says consumers should stop using the fan immediately and contact Merkury Innovations for a refund. The recall notice describes a registration process that includes marking the product, unplugging it, cutting the cord and uploading a photo of the destroyed product through the recall page. Follow the current CPSC and manufacturer instructions rather than relying on a store receipt or a resale listing.

What to check before buying a replacement fan for a pet space

Do not replace a recalled unit by grabbing the cheapest fan with a pet-friendly photo. Check these details before checkout:

• Recall search: search the brand and model number on CPSC.gov before buying, especially for heaters, fans, batteries and charging devices.
• Pet placement: the fan should sit where a dog or cat cannot chew the cord, knock it over, block the intake or pull it into bedding.
• Cord safety: CPSC’s portable fan safety note warns that careless setup can create tripping hazards, so keep cords clear of walking paths and pet routes.
• Heat setting risk: be extra cautious with combination heater-fan products around crates, bedding and unsupervised rooms.
• Noise and airflow: a strong fan that scares the pet or blows directly into the crate may be less useful than a quieter unit placed to circulate room air.
• Return window: test placement, noise, stability and airflow while the return window is open. Keep the packaging until you know it works for the room.

The deal and coupon check before you pay

A fan discount only matters if the model is safe, returnable and suitable for the room. Before paying, compare the final cart price with the cost of a safer alternative, then check whether the coupon excludes fans, heaters, clearance items or recalled goods. Avoid marketplace listings that hide the model number, use mismatched product photos or describe a hot-and-cool fan without showing the label.

If a retailer advertises a pet cooling bundle, do not assume the fan is designed for unsupervised crate use. Read the manual, warranty, return terms and any safety labels. For battery-powered fans, check charging instructions and replacement-battery information. For plug-in fans, check cord length and whether you can place the device securely without running the cord across a pet path.

What a fan cannot do for heat safety

A fan is not a substitute for a cool indoor room, shade, fresh water or veterinary advice. The ASPCA warns that pets can dehydrate quickly in hot or humid weather and should have water, shade and indoor cooling when it is extremely hot. Pets with flat faces, older pets, overweight pets and pets with heart or lung disease may be more vulnerable to heat and should be kept cool.

Do not leave a pet in a hot car, a hot enclosed porch or an overheated crate because a fan is running. If your pet shows signs that worry you during heat, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service.

What to avoid

• Do not use the recalled Merkury fan if the model matches the CPSC notice.
• Do not buy used fans when the seller will not show the model label.
• Do not aim a fan through a crate as your only cooling plan during a heat wave.
• Do not leave cords where a pet can chew, trip or get tangled.
• Do not ignore a fan that smells hot, flickers, rattles, shuts off unexpectedly or has damaged wiring.

FAQ

Is the Merkury fan recall a pet recall?

No. It is a CPSC household product recall for a hot-and-cool fan. It is relevant to pet owners because fans and heater-fan devices are often used in rooms where pets sleep, rest or spend time during hot weather.

Can I keep using the recalled fan if it is far away from my pet?

No. CPSC says consumers should stop using the recalled Hot + Cool Heating and Cooling Fan immediately and contact Merkury Innovations for a refund.

Is any fan safe for a dog crate or cat room?

A fan can help circulate air, but placement matters. Keep it stable, keep cords away from pets, avoid blocking airflow, supervise new setups and do not use a fan as a replacement for a genuinely cool room.

What should I buy instead?

Choose a non-recalled fan that fits the room, has clear model information, stable placement, safe cord routing and a return policy. If the pet is heat-sensitive or medically fragile, ask your veterinarian what cooling setup is appropriate.

Sources

Last checked: 2026-07-01 07:35 Europe/Rome.

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Merkury Innovations Recalls Hot + Cool Heating and Cooling Fans Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Fire Hazard,” June 11, 2026: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/Merkury-Innovations-Recalls-Hot-Cool-Heating-and-Cooling-Fans-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Injury-or-Death-from-Fire-Hazard
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Portable Fan Safety Tips,” June 3, 2026: https://www.cpsc.gov/node/66726
• Merkury Innovations fan recall page: https://merkuryinnovations.com/pages/fanrecall
• ASPCA, “Hot Weather Safety Tips”: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/hot-weather-safety-tips