Saving Paws Animal Rescue of Kentucky has donated pet oxygen mask kits to local fire departments to help first responders save animals suffering from smoke inhalation during house fires.
The nonprofit, commonly known as SparKY, recently provided seven mask kits to the Owensboro Fire Department, allowing firefighters to equip multiple frontline trucks with the life-saving equipment.
Bridget Austin of SparKY said each kit includes three different mask sizes designed to fit animals ranging from cats to large dogs.
“If they are in a house fire, just like they would try to help a person breathe better by giving oxygen, they will try to help the animals breathe better if they’ve been in a fire,” Austin said.
Austin said the donation aligns with SparKY’s mission of helping keep pets and families together during difficult circumstances.
“We love our community, and we just want to give back to our community and help in any way we can,” Austin said. “If you are involved in a house fire and you lose everything you own, losing a pet to a lot of people is like losing a family member.”
Austin said the organization viewed the masks as a small investment that could make a major difference for pet owners experiencing tragedy.
“It seemed like such a small investment to provide a little bit of equipment that might help keep a pet alive in a situation like that,” she said.
Owensboro Fire Department Battalion Chief Cory Gant said firefighters have successfully used pet oxygen masks in previous emergencies and are grateful to receive the new equipment.
“Part of our jobs in the fire service is life safety. Usually when people say that, we think about human lives,” Gant said. “But there have been multiple times where we’re able to save dogs’ and cats’ lives as well.”
Gant said animals are especially vulnerable during fires because they often hide inside homes instead of trying to escape.
“Dogs and cats have a tendency to run and hide,” Gant said. “A lot of these animals will go hide, so usually they can be non-responsive due to breathing in smoke. We’re able to get them outside and put oxygen on these dogs and cats and help bring them back.”
According to Gant, the department plans to place the seven kits on its five frontline fire engines, along with additional specialty vehicles.
“We understand the importance pets play in people’s families,” Gant said. “Anything we can do on scene to try to make somebody’s life better during a structure fire, if we’re able to save their pets, that’s just another positive outcome for us.”
