Marblehead Firefighters Receive Gift of Life-Saving Equipment for Pets

The Marblehead Fire Department has received a donation of two sets of pet oxygen masks from at-home pet services provider Canine Company. The special equipment will help firefighters resuscitate family pets rescued during home fires and other emergencies.

After learning the department did not have the life-saving equipment, a Canine Company representative reached out to Marblehead Fire Chief Jason Gilliland to offer the donation.

“We know pets are family members and want to be able to treat them in emergency situations,” said Chief Gilliland. “We have had circumstances in the past where the specialized pet resuscitation mask have proved invaluable, and with the help of the Canine Company and a recent donation from a private citizen, we are once again able to provide life support for pets in distress.”

Family pets are at special risk in home fires because they can’t leave the house without help. An estimated 40,000 die each year from smoke inhalation. The cone-shaped masks donated by Canine Company are designed for a pet’s snout, which human masks don’t fit. Each set includes three sizes fitting a wide range of pets – from small mammals to giant breed dogs -- and connect to standard oxygen tanks the rescue teams carry.

To help ensure firefighters know there are pets in need of rescued, Canine Company is offering free “pets inside” decals that families can place on a front door or window. To request a decal, go to Free Pets Inside Decal.

“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.”

In the past year alone, Canine Company has donated mask kits to first responders in more than 80 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey, including to more than a dozen in Massachusetts.

Canine Company provides at-home services to keep pets healthy, safe and happy, including Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment systems, Manners dog obedience training and mobile grooming. Its charitable Canine Gives campaign supports pet rescue groups and donates pet oxygen masks to first responders.