Lowell Fire Department Now Equipped with Oxygen Masks for Pets

Lowell firefighters have a new tool to help them save the lives of family pets in fires and other home emergencies. The Fire Department recently received a donation of nine sets of specially designed oxygen masks for pets – one for each of the city’s eight stations and one for the training center-- from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

The masks were requested by the department after several pets were lost in a household fire last year. “Our mission is to save life, no matter how big or small,” said Fire Chief Joseph Roth. “To be able to give a family, that has been devastated by fire, back their pets makes a world of difference. These kits will be another important tool to help in that mission. The LFD would like to thank the Canine Company for their generous donation to The City of Lowell.”

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 donated masks are cone-shaped, designed specifically for a pet’s snout. Each set includes masks in three sizes to accommodate pets from small mammals to giant breed dogs.

“We thank the Lowell Fire Department for caring about the well-being of family pets and we are happy to donate these mask to help them keep pets safe,” said Jennifer Hill of Canine Company. “Our company mission is to keep their pets healthy, safe and happy at home. We do that with our products and services, like Invisible Fence systems and Manners training, but also with this important charitable program.”

Canine Company has donated over 1,300 mask kits to first responders in more than 570 communities across the northeast, including 50 in Massachusetts. According to Canine Company, donated masks were used to save the lives of at least three Massachusetts pets so far this year. Other communities in Middlesex County that have received donations include Acton, Bedford, Marlborough, Newton, Pepperell, Sherborn, Sudbury, Wayland and Weston.

Any municipal fire department or first aid squad interested in receiving a donation can make a request by writing to petmasks@caninecompany.com or calling 800-818-3647. For more information, visit Canine Company’s Charities page.