Hastings-on-Hudson FD Now Equipped with Oxygen Masks for Pets

Firefighters in Hastings-on-Hudson have an important new tool to help them save the lives of family pets. The department has received a donation of five sets of pet oxygen mask kits from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.

The kits were presented by Phil Ziegler, Canine Company’s Westchester County representative, to Chief Martin Gunter and Assistant Chiefs John Lindner, Ron Paquette and Brian Schwibbe during a gathering Tuesday night at the Uniontown Hose Company Firehouse on Rose Street.

Chief Gunther requested the masks for the department after learning about Canine Company’s program. He said that firefighters have encountered a number of situations involving pets over the years. “We’ve always tried to adapt human masks to accommodate the animal’s snout, but we’re not always successful."

“The Hastings-on-Hudson Fire Department is committed to saving ALL lives – include those of family pets, and I applaud Canine Company’s commitment to getting these masks on the front lines so we can save pets lives.”

The kits will be deployed across each of the department’s four fire stations and the ambulance corps 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. Decals are available from the fire department or by completing the Request a Decal form on 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 Hastings-on-Hudson’s firefighters for their concern for the well being of family pets and the Chief's willingness to put this equipment on their vehicles.”

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.

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.

About the Hastings-on-Hudson Fire Department

Hastings-on-Hudson Fire Department is an all-volunteer department, comprising four Fire Companies and an Ambulance Corps. The 130 men and women of the companies provide fire protection and emergency medical services for the residents of Hastings-on-Hudson and fire protection for the Donald Park area for the Town of Greenburgh. For information, visit www.hastingsonhudsonfd.org.

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