Local First Responders Now Equipped with Oxygen Masks for Pets

Pet parents here can breathe a little easier: Larchmont and Mamaroneck first responders have a new tool to help save family pets in fires and other emergencies, thanks to a donation from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

At its monthly meeting February 10, the Larchmont Volunteer Ambulance Corps received a donation of two sets of specially designed oxygen masks for pets. Mamaroneck EMS received a two kits earlier in the month.

At the LVAC meeting, President Grant Nishanian and LVAC Chief John Pomponio were presented with the kits by Canine Company’s Renee Coughlin, a longtime Larchmont resident. Coughlin’s dog Belle helped demonstrate the masks for the paramedics in attendance.

“The need for these masks became apparent to us recently, when we needed to resuscitate a cat rescued from a house fire. The human oxygen masks simply aren’t effective because of the shape to the pet’s nose,” said LVAC Chief John Pomponio. “Fortunately, one of our members was familiar with Canine Company’s charitable campaign and reached out to the company to request masks for us. We are very grateful for this donation.”

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 donated by Canine Company are designed specifically for a pet’s snout. Each set includes masks in three sizes to accommodate pets from small mammals to giant breed dogs.

According to Canine Company, the lives of at least 14 pets were saved last year by first responders using the donated masks.

“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 at home,” said Coughlin. “We do that with the products and services we offer, and through this donation campaign. We are delighted to provide these kits to Larchmont first responders to help protect family pets across the village.”

Canine Company also provided the ambulance corps with “pets inside” decals that residents can put on a front door or window to alert first responders to pets in the home.

Canine Company has donated over 1,300 mask kits to more than 570 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey. In addition to Larchmont and Mamaroneck, other Westchester County recipients include Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Rye Brook Fire Department, Hastings-on-Hudson Fire Department, Ardsley-Secor Volunteer Ambulance, Sleepy Hollow Ambulance Corps, Millwood Fire Department, Mount Kisco Volunteer Fire Department and Croton Falls Fire Department.