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Mullingar, May 2025 — We’re thrilled to share some heartwarming news from our Village Vets family! This week, our Emergency Team from Village Vets Ashbourne paid a very special visit to Mullingar Fire Station to deliver something we hope no one ever needs — but that we’re very glad to have available.
Westmeath Fire & Rescue Service has officially become the third fire brigade in Ireland to receive our specialised pet oxygen masks, as part of Village Vets’ growing animal emergency response initiative.
These clever little masks are designed especially for pets — from the tiniest kitten to the chunkiest retriever — to help them breathe easier if they’re caught up in a house fire or other emergency.
Why This Matters
As pet lovers ourselves, we know how much our furry companions mean to families. When disaster strikes, every second counts — and having the right tools on hand can mean the difference between life and loss.
Hannah Doherty, our wonderful Hospital Manager at Village Vets Ashbourne, summed it up beautifully:
“We’re so happy to work with Westmeath Fire & Rescue Service and see this initiative reach beyond Dublin and Meath. Our team was proud to hand-deliver these masks, knowing they could one day save the life of a beloved pet. That’s what this programme is all about — helping fire crews protect every member of the family, including the four-legged ones.”
A Welcome Addition for Fire Crews
The masks were warmly received by Acting Station Officer Eric Smith and the Mullingar crew. He spoke candidly about how tough it can be at fire scenes when pets are involved:
“We’ve often felt helpless when trying to save family pets from smoke and fire, and it’s something that stays with you. Most of our crew have pets at home and know exactly how important they are. Having these masks now gives us a real chance to help them.”
Proven to Save Lives
Since launching in 2023, the Village Vets pet oxygen mask programme has already made a real difference. Earlier this year, Dublin Fire Brigade used one to revive ‘Biscuit’ the cat, who was rescued from a house fire in Ballyfermot. After receiving oxygen therapy, Biscuit was back in his owner’s arms within minutes.
And in September 2024, another mask helped stabilise a dog pulled from the Grand Canal in Clondalkin. Stories like these remind us just how valuable these simple tools can be in an emergency.
Growing Nationwide
With Meath County Fire and Rescue Service, Dublin Fire Brigade, and now Westmeath Fire & Rescue Service on board, the initiative is growing fast — and we’d love to see it continue. We’re calling on fire brigades and county councils across Ireland to get involved and help us safeguard pets when they need it most.
Simple Tools, Big Impact
The kits include easy-to-use oxygen masks in a range of sizes, suitable for dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. They’re designed to fit smoothly into existing fire service protocols — making them a simple but powerful addition to emergency response kits.
In Case of Emergency — We’re Always Here
If your pet ever faces an emergency, remember that help is just a phone call away. Our brand new Village Vets Ashbourne hospital is open 24/7, with experienced vets ready to assist at any hour.
Call us now on (01) 849 9973
Or visit: www.villagevets.ie/emergencies
Because at Village Vets, we’re not just about treating pets ,we’re about protecting families.
Village Vets is a trusted multi-location veterinary practice in Ireland, providing compassionate and comprehensive care for pets.
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