Maplewood Fire Department Receives Donation Of Pet Oxygen Masks

The Maplewood Fire Department recently received a donation of three sets of specially designed oxygen masks for pets from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

The masks were requested last month by now-retired Chief Michael Dingelstedt after he learned about the company’s charitable program to donate them. The masks are being deployed across the department’s two front line engines and ambulance so first responders will be able to use them to resuscitate family pets on the scene in an emergency.

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 pets from small mammals to giant breed dogs.

According to Canine Company, the lives of at least 14 pets have been saved so far this year by first responders using the donated masks, including four pets in New Jersey.

“We are grateful these first responders care about the well being of family pets, and we are happy to donate these mask kits,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. “Our company mission is to help families 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.”

To ensure rescuers know there are pets in a home, Canine Company has offered free “Pets Inside” decals to local pet parents. The stickers are available from the fire department, or can be requested by mail 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 550 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey. Other Essex County first responders who have received mask donations include Roseland Fire Department, Millburn Short Hills Volunteer First Aid Squad, South Orange Rescue Squad and West Essex First Aid Squad. 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.