Acton Fire Department Receives Donation of Equipment to Save Pets' Lives

Pet-loving families in Acton can breathe a little easier: first responders with the first department have received a donation of pet oxygen masks from Canine Company for use in rescues involving pets.

Acton firefighter/EMT Tom Matthews requested the masks after learning about the company's Canine Saves project to donate the life-saving pet masks to communities where the company's customers live. The company donated three sets, so each fire station will carry one on a first line vehicle.

"Our company mission is to help families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy at home with our services – and the same is true for our charitable programs, " said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. "We want to be sure first responders have the tools to keep these important family members safe in care of a home fire or emergency." Coughlin said fire departments that do not yet have the masks can apply for a donation at www.caninecompany.com/topic/charities.

The company has donated more than 90 sets of masks to first responders across New England, New York and New Jersey so far this year. Other Massachusetts communities that have received donations include Hubbardston, Franklin, Grafton, Millis, Pepperell and West Bridgewater.

Each set of masks comes in three sizes to fit many pets – from small mammals like rabbits up through giant-breed dogs-- and connect to the standard oxygen tanks rescue teams carry so they are able to treat a pet immediately on scene.

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 the New England states. For more information, visit www.caninecompany.com.