Invisible Fence Brand Celebrates 45th Anniversary by Donating Pet Oxygen Masks to 45 Fire Departments

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In 1973, a traveling salesman in Pennsylvania began noticing an alarming number of dogs roaming the streets and soon after developed and patented the first veterinarian-backed electronic pet containment system, Invisible Fence. Fast forward 45 years and today there are 3 million safer, happier pets, including the almost 200 pet lives saved through the Project Breathe Program, the company’s pet oxygen mask donation effort. Since Project Breathe’s inception in 2006, 23,500 masks have been donated to first responders, and now the company is giving more. To commemorate its 45th anniversary, Invisible Fence will equip 45 additional fire departments across the U.S. and Canada with these life-saving devices and embark on a nationwide service campaign to assist pet-related charities.

Invisible Fence is giving people the chance to nominate their local fire department to receive one of the 45 oxygen mask kits being donated through this new Project Breathe initiative. Those interested should visit the brand’s Facebook page, now through August 31, 2018. Each year, it’s estimated more than 40,000 pets die in fires, most succumbing to smoke inhalation. The reality in most cases is that first responders lack the equipment to resuscitate and save these animals. These donations will give more pets a fighting chance and reduce the number of pet fatalities.

The devices will be used for rescues like the recent one in Centerville, Tennessee, where Centerville Volunteer Fire Department firefighters responded to a structure fire. Here’s how the department described the events: “Homeowners stated that their dog was still inside the home. Firefighters searched for and found the family pet unconscious. Crews removed the dog and successfully resuscitated it using our new pet oxygen masks that were donated by the Invisible Fence company. The dog was reunited with its owners. Red Cross arrived to assist the family.”

“For 45 years, we’ve been protecting family pets, including what takes place inside homes,” said Ed Hoyt, director of Invisible Fence Brand. “We’ve seen how these masks save lives. Our ultimate goal is to equip every fire department across America with these life-saving devices. We are excited to give communities the chance to be a part of these donations for our 45th anniversary and proud of all of our team members who are giving personal time to help various animal organizations and causes across the country.”

In addition to the Project Breathe donations, Invisible Fence employees across the U.S. and Canada are combining efforts for “45 Days of Service” in celebration of the 45th anniversary. Team members are volunteering at animal-related charity events, non-profits, rescue and shelter operations and more. In total, the team has pledged to put in 315 (that’s 45 in dog years) volunteer hours in 45 days (August 21 – October 5, 2018). This includes supporting groups such as Blount County Animal Shelter and Heidi’s Legacy Dog Rescue, and hosting pet adoption events across the country.