FIREFIGHTERS in Surrey and Hampshire are being equipped with special oxygen masks to help save the lives of pets they rescue from blazes.

Instead of relying on masks designed for people when trying to revive pets pulled from smoke-filled homes, fire crews will be able to use equipment shaped to fit animals.

The pet masks will be initially carried on fire engines in Reigate and Banstead but could eventually be installed on engines across Surrey. They have been provided by non-profit company Smokey Paws thanks to a donation from vicar and pet lover Kate Capper.

The masks come in three sizes – large for dogs, medium-sized for cats and little dogs and small for pets like hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits.

Colleagues in Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service have also taken delivery of a number of specially designed oxygen masks for animals rescued from fires.

Four sets of three masks, which were provided by the not-for-profit organisation Smokey Paws with funds donated by Denplan, have now been distributed to each of the county’s animal rescue specialists.

Smokey Paws is encouraging donations to allow pet oxygen masks to be made available to other fire stations across the UK.

Jim Green, an animal rescue specialist, said: “In 2013-14, our animal rescue specialists attended 40 fires. With around 60 per cent of households having pets, these masks can mean the difference between life and death for the cats and dogs we rescue.

“Animal rescue specialists attend every animal-related incident in Hampshire and these masks will have an immediate positive impact.”

Brian Lockyer, from Smokey Paws, said: “We believe it is likely hundreds of pets suffer from smoke inhalation across the UK every year.

“Pet oxygen masks significantly increase survival rates, as the human oxygen masks are ineffective on most pets. Our mission is to raise enough money through public donations to equip every first responder in the UK with these lifesaving masks. We believe every pet deserves the same chance of survival as other family members do.”

Kay Hammond, Surrey County Council’s cabinet associate for community safety services, said: “Pets are part of the family for many people and while our firefighters work hard to revive rescued animals using the equipment they already carry, these specially-designed kits mean they will be able to give pets an even better chance of survival.

For more information or to donate see www.smokeypaws.co.uk