Glastonbury Fire and EMS Units Receive Donation of Pet Oxygen Masks

The Glastonbury Fire Department and Glastonbury EMS are now equipped to save pets’ lives in a house fire or other emergency. Both departments recently received donations of specially designed pet oxygen masks from at-home pet services provider Canine Company. The company donated a total of seven sets of masks — four to the fire department so it can equip each station – and three to the EMS for its ambulances.

The donation ensures that all first responders will have the equipment needed to resuscitate pets on scene.

“Both Glastonbury Fire and Glastonbury EMS are grateful to the Canine Company for providing the pet oxygen masks,” said Fire Chief Michael Thurz. “Pets are family members and these new masks will allow both agencies to provide immediate medical care if needed during an emergency.”

Canine Company is on a mission to get the pet oxygen masks into the hands of first responders in all the communities where its clients live. In the last year alone, Canine Company has donated the mask kits to more than 80 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey. Other Connecticut municipalities that have received donations this year include Ansonia, Branford, Clinton, Danbury, Guilford and New Haven.

“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. “We do that with the services we offer and it’s the focus of our charitable programs, too. 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.

Family pets are at special risk during a home fire because they are unable to leave the house without help. An estimated 40,000 die each year from smoke inhalation. The cone-shaped pet masks are designed for a pet’s snout, which human masks do not fit.

Because it is important for first responders to know there are pets in the home when responding to an emergency, Canine Company is offering free “pets inside” decals to pet parents to place on a front door or window. To request a free decal, go to https://www.caninecompany.com/topic/petdecal.aspx.

Canine Company’s at-home services include Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment system and Manners dog obedience training. The company supports pet rescue groups through its charitable Canine Gives campaign as well as donating pet oxygen masks to first responders. For information, visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-3647.