Brookline FD Outfitted with Life-saving Tool for Family Pets

Brookline firefighters have a new tool to save family pets rescued during fires and other emergencies. The department has received a donation of six sets of pet oxygen mask kits from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

The kits were presented to Fire Chief John F. Sullivan Tuesday, August 7, during a gathering at the Brookline Village Station by Michelle Perrotti, Canine Company’s Norfolk County representative. Perrotti demonstrated the masks with the assistance of Holly, a 5-year-old Springer spaniel mix.

“Canine Company’s mission is to help families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy,” Perrotti said. “We are grateful to Brookline’s firefighters for your concern for the well being of family pets and willingness to put this equipment on your vehicles.”

The Chief said, “Brookline Fire Department is excited to have this resource available.”

The kits will be deployed so first responders from each of the city’s six stations will be able to deliver oxygen to pets in need on the scene of house fires and other emergencies. To ensure rescuers know there are pets in a home, Canine Company is offering free “Pets Inside” decals to local pet parents.

Decals are available at the front desk of the Brookline Fire Prevention Department or by completing the Request a Decal form on the company’s website.

Family pets are at special risk during a home fire because they cannot to leave the house without help. An estimated 40,000 die each year nationwide from smoke inhalation. Human masks do not fit over most pets’ snouts, making it difficult for first responders to provide oxygen on scene. The donated masks are designed for the shape of an animal’s snout. Each set includes masks in three sizes to fit a wide range of pets – from small mammals like rabbits to giant breed dogs.

Canine Company has donated more than 1000 mask kits to fire departments and first aid squads across New England, New York and New Jersey. Donated masks have helped save more than 18 pets – including six dogs, 11 cats and a rabbit – in just the past year.

Other area Fire Departments that have received donations from Canine Company include Dedham, Needham, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston and Westwood.

Canine Company, which is based in Connecticut, provides at-home pet care products and services including the Invisible Fence® brand systems and Manners dog obedience training to pet parents across New England, New York and New Jersey. Through its Canine Love campaign, the company supports pet rescue and provides pet oxygen masks to first responders. For information, visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-3647.

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In the photo, Brookline Fire Chief John F. Sullivan tests one of the department’s new pet oxygen masks on Holly, a 5-year-old Springer spaniel mix, with the help of Michelle Perrotti of Canine Company as members of the department watch.