Mount Kisco Fire Department Outfitted with Pet Oxygen Mask

Pet parents in Mount Kisco can breathe a little easier this week because local firefighters have just received a new tool to help them save the lives of family pets.

At-home pet services provider Canine Company has donated four sets of pet oxygen mask kits to the department. The kits were presented to Mutual Engine and Hose Company during September Fest this weekend by Phil Ziegler of Canine Company, who demonstrated the masks to firefighter Matt Hollis of Mutual Engine and Hose Company, with the help of their canine friend, Grizz (in photo above).

Firefighter Matt Hollis requested the masks for the department. "Many of us in the department are pet owners ourselves, so we understand that pets are an important part of the family,” said Hollis. “We are grateful to Canine Company for donating this equipment to help us better care for those family members in an emergency."

The kits will be deployed across the department’s four companies so first responders will be able to deliver oxygen to pets in need on the scene of house fires and other emergencies. And, to ensure rescuers know there are pets in a home, Canine Company is providing free “Pets Inside” decals to local pet parents. The decals were available from the fire department over the weekend, or can be requested here through the company’s website.

“Canine Company’s mission is to help families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy. We do that with our products and services, and with our charitable programs,” Ziegler said. “We are grateful to Mount Kisco’s firefighters for their concern for the well being of family pets.”

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 at least 20 pets – including eight 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. Canine Company has donated masks to first responders in more than 500 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey.

About Mount Kisco Fire Department

Mount Kisco Fire Department is an all-volunteer department that has provided residents of Mount Kisco, New Castle and Bedford with fire protection for over 100 years. The department is made up of four fir companies are the: Union Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1, Mutual Engine & Hose Co. No. 1, Independent Fire Company, and Rescue Fire Police which operate out of three fire stations The department’s 200+ volunteers respond to over 600 emergencies a year.

About Canine Company

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 and mobile grooming and pet sitting services in select market. For information, visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-3647.