Edison First Responders Now Have Special Oxygen Masks for Pets

First responders in Edison have a new tool to help them save pets during house fires and other emergencies: the town recently received a donation of four sets of specially designed oxygen masks for pets from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

The masks were requested by Animal Control Officer Ed Dobrosky after he learned about the company’s charitable program to donate the life-saving devices from a neighboring first aid squad.

Masks like those donated have been used by first responders in at least four New Jersey towns to save five pets in the past year alone. Most recently, the Middlesex Fire Department was able to resuscitate a 12-year-old beagle who suffered smoke inhalation during a home fire on Feb. 5, 2020.

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, which human masks don’t fit.

Each set includes masks in three sizes to accommodate a wide range of family pets, from small mammals to giant breed dogs.

Canine Company has donated over 1,300 mask kits to first responders in more than 570 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey. Fire departments and first aid squads that do not have life-saving equipment can request a donation by writing to petmasks@caninecompany.com or calling 800-818-3647.