Ho-Ho-Kus Fire and Ambulance Receive Donations of Pet Oxygen Mask

Ho-Ho-Kus first responders have a new tool to help protect family pets in home fires and other emergencies. The Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Department and Volunteer Ambulance Corps have each received a set of life-saving pet oxygen masks from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

The kits were requested by Lt. Dane Policastro after he learned about the company’s campaign to outfit first responders with the life-saving equipment.

The donated masks are designed for the shape of an animal’s snout. Each set includes masks in three sizes to fit a wide range of pets – from small mammals like rabbits to giant breed dogs.

According to Canine Company, donated masks have been used by first responders to save more than 18 pets – including six dogs, 11 cats and a rabbit – over the past year.

Family pets are at special risk during a home fire because they cannot to leave the house without help. An estimated 40,000 die each year nationwide from smoke inhalation. Human oxygen masks do not fit the shape of most pets’ snouts, making it difficult for first responders to provide life-saving oxygen on scene.

To ensure rescuers know there are pets in a home, Canine Company is offering free “Pets Inside” decals to local pet parents. Decals will be available from the fire department or can be ordered by mail through the Request a Decal form on the company’s website.

The Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Department is a volunteer force, staffed by local citizens. It has been serving the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey since 1911. For information, visit www.hhkfire.com.

Canine Company provides at-home pet care products and services including the Invisible Fence® brand systems and Manners dog obedience training to pet parents across New England, New York and New Jersey. For information, visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-3647.