Pet holders need to rejoice, as the Toronto Fire Services has decided to equip themselves with oxygen masks, to prevent pets from smoke inhalation, during a fire crisis.

Annually, about 20 pets succumb to breathing problems in Toronto and this has been a leading cause of worry for owners of pets.

Fire Vans in all of the 16 districts under Toronto will be provided a three mask set costing $100, in a range of sizes that make the masks fit any pet ranging from a dog to a parrot.

Dr. Barbara Bryer, Head of the Emergency Department at Veterinary Emergency Clinic says, “A dog has a snout, so it’s a longer style mask than for a human”.

While some of the masks are being given away by the Veterinary Emergency Clinic, Invisible Fence, a Pet Safety Company in Greater Toronto Area is also providing the masks, for the safety of the pets.

Captain Adrian Ratushniak, working at the Fire Department feels that no specific training needs to be provided to the staff for handling pets, as pets and children exhibit similar behavior. And so the Fire Department officials will tend to these pets like toddlers.

On one hand, the mask will save the pet from choking and inhaling smoke, while on the other, it will benefit pet owners and lovers, who often demand the fire officials, to save their pet in the course of a fire breaking out.