Thanks to a generous donation of pet oxygen masks by Dr. Leslie Huber and Dr. Julie Ballinger of Ballinger Veterinary Mobile Services and Invisible Fence Brand by K.W. Sprinkler, the Grand Valley and District Fire Department is now better equipped to handle pet-related emergencies arising from a fire.
The pet oxygen mask kit is supplied to Dr. Huber and Dr. Ballinger of Ballinger Veterinary Mobile Services by Invisible Fence Brand through the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association in exchange for a donation to the Farley Foundation (a charitable organization which assists seniors, disabled individuals, people in receipt of Ontario Works and women at risk of abuse by subsidizing the non-elective veterinary care of their pets).
The donation is part of “Project Breathe” by Invisible Fence Brand, which aims to equip every fire station in Canada, the United States and the U.K. with pet oxygen masks.
Each pet oxygen mask kit contains three reusable masks appropriately sized for small animals (cats, small dogs, animals with short snouts such as ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds), medium-sized animals (20-25 lbs) and large domestic animals (dogs 50 lbs and over). Dr. Huber will also provide initial training and on-going support to the fire department as required. “After learning about the availability of pet oxygen masks through the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, we were eager to order a set for the community,” said Dr. Huber. “By providing the Grand Valley & District Fire Department with the tools they need to assist animals before veterinary care can be accessed, we hope that this can help save the lives of animals who are affected by a tragic event such as a fire.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Ontario veterinarians to fulfill our goal of equipping every fire department and rescue unit in the province with these life-saving pet oxygen masks.” “Pets are often on the scene in emergency situations, and like humans, they are susceptible to health risks arising from a fire,” says Kevin McNeilly, fire chief of the Grand Valley & District Fire Department. “While our team never hesitates to assist an animal in distress, this donation means that we now have the proper equipment to save a pet’s life during an emergency.”
