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Breath of life for pets

In the event of a house fire, many domesticated animals resort to hiding instead of fleeing in the face of danger. The result can mean smoke asphyxiation causing death.
fire
The new breathing tools for pets that Richmond Fire-Rescue can now use

In the event of a house fire, many domesticated animals resort to hiding instead of fleeing in the face of danger. The result can mean smoke asphyxiation causing death.

Once the fumes have been inhaled, there is often no way to effectively resuscitate these animals, especially once the furry companions have lost consciousness. Fortunately, Richmond Fire-Rescue is now in possession of oxygen masks made specifically for pets.

"Losing a pet due to a house fire can be a devastating experience. We know that pets are an extension of a family and sometimes the only companions for some people," said Richmond Fire-Rescue deputy fire chief Tim Wilkinson in a press release.

Richmond is home to a significant number of domestic animals, including 5,119 licensed dogs and a multitude of cats.

With the acquisition of these specially designed oxygen masks, purchased from Burquitlam Animal Hospital, owners can be assured their pets are now a little safer in the face of disaster.

Two, first-response rescue vehicles have been outfitted with these pet safety kits, each containing three oxygen masks of various sizes to insure they fit any sized cat or dog.

Also, in the case of larger animals (who may refuse the mask), pet restraints have been included, to hold the animal while the mask is applied.

In June, these oxygen masks demonstrated their importance when a cat was rescued from a house fire. The comatose feline was in desperate need of air. A pet oxygen mask was applied and the animal was successfully revived, explained deputy fire chief Kim Howell.

The pet oxygen masks are, in part, a donation from Invisible Fences, a pet solutions company.

Richmond taxpayers will pick up $600 of the tab.