Middlesex First Responders Now Equipped to Save Pets’ Lives

Last month, Middlesex Borough firefighters responded to a residential structure fire and had to rescue a family pet. First responders did not have pet oxygen masks.

Fortunately, the pet survived, but the incident prompted the department’s medical officer to look for a solution and the Middlesex Fire Department now has four sets of specially designed oxygen masks for pets so firefighters will be able to resuscitate pets rescued during house fires on scene.

The gift came from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

Middlesex Fire Chief James Rinker commented, "We recently had a need for the pet masks at a structure fire where a woman and dog were rescued from the home. Adding these kits will improve the chances of helping family pets in an emergency. It is comforting to know that we have the kits at our disposal."

Middlesex will deploy one set of masks at each firehouse: Lincoln Hose at 615 Mountain Avenue, Beechwood Heights atv118 Union Avenue, Pierce Hose at 416 A Street, and Parker Engine & Hose 451 Bound Brook Road.

In addition to donating the masks, Canine Company is offering free “Pets Inside” decals to Middlesex families with pets that can be placed on a front door or window to alert rescuers that there are pets in the home. Follow this link to request a free decal, https://www.caninecompany.com/topic/petdecal.aspx.

“Our company was founded by a family of pet lovers and our mission is to help other families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. “We do that with the services we offer and it’s also the focus of our charitable programs.” In the past year, Canine Company has donated more than 150 sets of masks to first responders across the Northeast, including to more than 50 New Jersey fire departments and EMS squads.

Other Middlesex County first responders who’ve received masks from Canine Company include Helmetta and Hopelawn Fire Departments, South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Department, Arbor Hose Co. #1 in Piscataway and Morgan First Aid Squad in South Amboy.

Canine Company provides at-home pet care products and services including the Invisible Fence® brand pet containment systems and Manners obedience training to pet parents across New Jersey, New York and New England. Through its Canine Gives 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.