Holmdel First Responders Get a Life Saving Tool for Family Pets

Pet parents in Holmdel can breathe a little easier: Holmdel Fire and Rescue Company # 2 recently received a donation of two sets of pet oxygen masks from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

“We can now provide the same care for smoke inhalation and CPR to pets that we do for humans.,” said Fire Company Captain Brian Choromanski, who requested the donation after learning about the company’s program to outfit first responders with the masks. “The safety of our residents and their pets is our number one priority. These masks will be a great asset to not only the department, but to the township of Holmdel.”

An estimated 40,000 pets across the U.S. die each year from smoke inhalation in home fires because they are unable to leave the house without help. The cone-shaped masks are specially designed for a pet’s snout, which human masks don’t fit. Each donated 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 550 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey. Other departments in Monmouth County that have received donations include Adelphia Fire Company, Middletown Fire Department, Raritan Hose Company and Northside Fire in Tinton Falls.

At least 14 pets, including four in New Jersey, have been saved so far this year by first responders using the donated masks.

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

“Our mission is to help families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy. We do that with our charitable programs as well as with the products and services we offer,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. “We are grateful that these first responders care about the well-being of family pets.” Canine Company helps families across New York, New England and New Jersey keep their pets healthy, safe and happy at home with services like Invisible Fence pet containment systems and Manners dog obedience training

The Holmdel Fire and Rescue Company # 2 provides fire protection and rescue services to the residents of the 18.1 square miles of Holmdel Township as well as surrounding communities. Station 18-2 (also known as station 2 or HFRC#2) is an all-volunteer, non-profit fire company that provides excellent service to area residents. Founded in 2006, the department is one of the newest and most progressive departments in the state.

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