Oxygen Masks for Pets

The fire department and other first responders are often called upon to help out family pets, but oxygen masks developed specifically for animals are not standard equipment on their trucks.  We decided to get involved after we spoke with some first responders who rushed affected pets into our facility.

TVRH, along with the non-profit group Avalo, teamed up with the Durham veterinary community for this fund-raising project - almost every veterinary clinic in Durham participated!  As the result of the generosity of Durham residents, we were able to make these masks available to help save lives.

Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital was thrilled to be able to present 30 sets of oxygen masks to the Durham Fire Department, more than enough to equip all 23 of their trucks. 

Oxygen masks for pets

It's one of our worst nightmares - a house fire.  In addition to losing a home and all of our belongings, the risk of losing family members is terrifying.  And for many of us, "family" includes our pets.

Our emergency service has seen it over and over;  brave first responders rushing through our doors with unconscious animals that are suffering from smoke inhalation.  The vital treatment for those animals is oxygen supplementation, and many of these trucks don't have the right equipment.  Human oxygen masks help, but they just don't fit right.

Pet masks are not standard equipment, and we'd like to change that.  So we're challenging the entire Durham County veterinary community to get involved; with their help and the help of the pet-owning public, we believe we can supply every emergency truck in the county with a set of pet-specific oxygen masks.  These masks will fit everything from kittens to Great Danes, sealing around the "snout" to provide supplementary oxygen to animals struggling to breathe.

We've partnered with Bayou rescue for this project, and as a 501(c)3, donations are tax deductible.  When you visit your primary care veterinarian, look for our display and donation jar.  If they don't have information on the program, be sure to mention it to them!  Donations  (checks should be made out to Bayou Rescue) can be mailed to 608 Morreene Rd, Durham NC 27705. (We are unable to accept credit card donations due to bank fees.  We apologize for any inconvenience.)

Thank you so much for your help!