Hyannis Firefighters Now Equipped with Oxygen Masks for Pets

The Hyannis Fire/Rescue Department recently received a donation of three sets of specially designed oxygen masks for pets from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

Captain Jeffrey Huska requested the life-saving masks, explaining that the department handles several animal rescues each year – ranging from saving dogs and cats from residential structure fires to rescuing a mother duck and her ten ducklings from a storm drain.

Family pets are at special risk during a home fire because they are unable to leave the house without help. An estimated 40,000 pets 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.

Over the past decade, Canine Company has donated masks to first responders in more than 500 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey. At least 14 pets have been saved so far this year by first responders using the donated masks.

Other Barnstable County first responders that have received the masks include the Bourne and Mashapee fire departments. The Bourne FD used a donated mask in resuscitate a cat just a month after receiving its donation in February 2018.

“Our company mission is to help families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy. We do that with our products and services, and with our charitable programs,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. “We are grateful that all these first responders care about the well being of family pets.”

To ensure rescuers know there are pets in a home, Canine Company has offered free “Pets Inside” decals to local pet parents. The stickers are available from department, or can be requested by mail through the Request a Decal form available on Canine Company’s website..