Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service receives specialised pet oxygen masks

Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service has become the third in Ireland to receive specialised pet oxygen masks through a growing animal emergency response initiative from Village Vets.

The official handover took place this week at Mullingar Fire Station, where the Village Vets 24/7 Emergency Team from Ashbourne delivered the equipment.

The masks are designed to provide vital oxygen therapy to pets suffering from smoke inhalation or respiratory distress during house fires and other emergencies.

Hannah Doherty, hospital manager at Village Vets Ashbourne, said: “We’re thrilled to work with Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service and to see this initiative expand beyond Dublin and Meath. Our Ashbourne emergency team was proud to deliver these masks in person, knowing they could one day save the life of a beloved family pet.

“That’s why we launched the programme: to help fire crews protect every member of the household, including the four-legged ones.”

Acting station officer Eric smith at Mullingar Fire Station said crews can feel helpless and under-equipped when rescuing family pets from fire and smoke-related incidents. “As most of the crew have pets at home and know the connection families have to their pets, this was difficult to deal with. Having these masks now, at least we can give them a fighting chance of survival.”

The Village Vets pet oxygen mask programme began in 2023 and has already made a difference in emergencies.

In January 2025, Dublin Fire Brigade used one of the masks to revive Biscuit the cat, who was found unconscious during a house fire in Ballyfermot. After receiving oxygen therapy, Biscuit was back in his owner’s arms within minutes.

In another case, a dog rescued from the Grand Canal in Clondalkin in September 2024 was stabilised thanks to the equipment.

Those incidents highlight the critical role pet oxygen masks play in emergency situations.

With Meath County Fire and Rescue Service, Dublin Fire Brigade, and now Westmeath Fire and Rescue Service involved, the initiative continues to grow.

Village Vets is encouraging fire brigades and county councils nationwide to join the programme and help safeguard pets in emergencies.

The masks

The kits include pet-specific oxygen masks in a range of sizes suitable for dogs, cats, rabbits, and small animals. Easy to use and potentially lifesaving, they are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing fire service protocols.

About Village Vets

Established in 1980, Village Vets has 22 clinics in Meath, Dublin, Wicklow, and Cork. All Village Vets clinics are Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) recognised, operating to the highest professional standards in veterinary care.