Dedham Fire Department Now Equipped with Oxygen Masks for Pets

The Dedham Fire Department has received a donation of three sets of specially designed pet oxygen mask from at-home pet services provider Canine Company so first responders are able to deliver oxygen to family pets in need on the scene of house fires and other emergencies.

Pets are at special risk during home fires 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, making it easier for first responders to deliver oxygen. Each set donated by Canine Company includes masks in three sizes to fit a range of pets -- from small mammals to giant breed dogs.

Canine Company’s pet masks campaign was created to ensure first responders have the tools needed to save the lives of family pets. In the past year alone, the company has donated over 2000 mask kits to fire departments and first aid squads in 70 communities across New England, New Jersey and New York, including 15 departments in Massachusetts.

“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.

Canine Company also offers free “Pets Inside” decals that homeowners can post on a door or window to let rescuers know there are pets in the home. The decals are available from the fire department or by completing the Request a Decal form on the company’s website.

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. For information, visit www.caninecompany.com.

The Dedham Fire Department provides fire and emergency medical services to all those who live, work and visit Dedham as well as mutual aid to our surrounding communities. Members of Group 1 are pictured above with Jackson Jacobs, a 4-month-old German Shepard puppy, who also appreciates the donation from Canine Company.