Neighbor News
Oceanport Firefighters Receive Donation of Pet Oxygen Masks
Free "pets inside" window decals offered to local residents
The Oceanport Fire Department recently received a donation of two sets of specially designed oxygen masks for pets – one for each station -- from at-home pet services provider Canine Company. The masks were requested by Lt. Jimmy Gallo of Port-au-Peck Chemical Hose Volunteer Fire Company after he learned about the company’s charitable program to donate masks.
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 were saved last year by first responders using the donated masks -- including a dog in Jackson Township, a dog in Hamilton and two cats in Lyndhurst.
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“We thank these first responders for caring about the well being of family pets and are happy to be donate these mask kits to help them keep pets safe,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. “Our company mission is to 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” window clings to local pet parents. They can be ordered through the Request a Decal form on Canine Company’s website.
Find out what's happening in Little Silver-Oceanportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Canine Company has donated over 1,300 mask kits to first responders in more than 570 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey.
Other Monmouth County communities that have received mask donations from Canine Company include Atlantic Highlands, Belmar, Hazlet, Holmdel, Keyport, Long Branch, Middletown, Rumson, Shrewsbury and Tinton Falls.
Fire departments and first aid squads interested in a donation can make a request by writing to [email protected] or calling 800-818-3647.
