by Jessica Whitehouse, Co-Creator & Manager, Orlando Cat Café
In recognition of National Pet Fire Safety Day, the Orlando Cat Café will donate several pet oxygen masks to Lake County Fire Rescue. A special presentation ceremony will be held on Tuesday, July 15 at 11:00 a.m. at the Orlando Cat Café. Representatives from Lake County Fire Rescue, along with other Lake County representatives, are scheduled to attend. This marks the sixth year Orlando Cat Café has made this annual donation to Lake County Fire Rescue.
National Pet Fire Safety Day was established by the American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services to help reduce the estimated 50,000 pets affected by home fires each year. This nationwide awareness day educates pet owners about the risks of leaving pets home alone and promotes proven fire prevention measures to help keep them safe. The reusable Wag’N Pet Oxygen Mask Kits include three different-sized masks and can be used on a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and more.
“Losing a pet due to a house fire is a devastating experience. As most pet owners leave their furry companions home alone during the day, pets are left to fend for themselves in the event of a fire. Unlike humans, who instinctively flee, pets often hide, making rescue more difficult. Far too many die each year from smoke asphyxiation,” said Sandra Cagan, owner of the Orlando Cat Café. “While firefighters do their best to save pets from burning homes, they can’t always revive them without the proper equipment. That’s why pet oxygen masks are so important. These specially designed masks can be used on both conscious pets suffering from smoke inhalation and those that have lost consciousness due to toxic fumes. Our responders have in fact used these masks on pets in our community, making this annual donation very meaningful.”
