Manville Firefighters Now Have Special Oxygen Masks for Pets

The Borough of Manville Fire Department recently received a donation of three sets of specially designed oxygen masks for pets – one for each fire station -- from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

The masks were requested by Fire Superintendent Pat Renaldi after he learned about the company’s charitable program to donate masks. According to Renaldi, the department has dealt with several pet rescues in which the masks could have helped firefighters provide better treatment on the scene.

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 are designed specifically for a pet’s snout, which human masks don’t fit. 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, including four pets in New Jersey.

“We are grateful that these firefighters care about the well being of family pets and are happy to donate these mask kits to help them keep pets safe,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. “Our company mission is to keep 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.”

To ensure rescuers know there are pets in a home, Canine Company has offered free “Pets Inside” decals to local pet parents. They can be ordered through the Request a Decal form on Canine Company’s website.

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 interested in a donation can make a request by writing to petmasks@caninecompany.com or calling 800-818-3647.