Farmington Fire Department Receives Donation of Pet Oxygen Masks

The Farmington Fire Department has received a donation of five sets of specially designed pet oxygen mask kits – one for each of the town’s fire stations -- from at-home pet services provider Canine Company. The kits will make it possible for firefighters to deliver oxygen to family pets in need on the scene of house fires and other emergencies.

Accepting the donation, Steve Hoffmann, Director of Fire & Rescue Services, said: “Pets are part of our everyday lives and part of our families. They provide companionship and are a fixture in homes across the country. One of the fire departments main strategic objectives is to save lives. These masks will allow us the ability to provide oxygen to pets as a result of a fire emergency or any other emergency where administration of oxygen would be beneficial to saving their lives.”

Pets are at special risk during a home fire because they are unable to leave the house without help. An estimated 40,000 die from smoke inhalation across the U.S. each year. The cone-shaped masks are designed for a pet’s snout, which human masks don’t fit. Each set includes masks in three sizes to fit pets from small mammals to giant breed dogs.

“Our company was founded by a family of pet lovers and our mission is to help other families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. “Our goal is to get these in to the hands of first responders wherever our clients live so they are ready to handle an emergency involving family pets,” she added.

Last year, the company donated more than 170 mask kits to fire departments and first aid squads in 60 communities across New Jersey, New York and the New England states, including 10 in Connecticut.

To ensure rescuers know there are pets in a home, Canine Company is offering free “Pets Inside” decals to local pet parents. Decals are available from the fire department or by completing the Request a Decal form on the company’s website.

The Town of Farmington Fire Department provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services from five stations located throughout the town. It is staffed by a combination of 150 volunteer and eight career firefighters. During 2017, the department answered over 4,000 calls for service.

Wilton CT-based Canine Company provides at-home pet care products and services including the Invisible Fence® brand pet containment systems and Manners obedience training to pet parents across New Jersey, New York and New England. Through its Canine Love campaign, the company supports pet rescue and provides pet oxygen masks to first responders.