Scranton, PA – Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center (VREC) recently donated five pet oxygen mask kits to the Scranton Police Department’s K9 Unit. The kits will be added to K9 patrol cars to ensure the working dog – or any pets who requires oxygen – will receive it quickly and effectively. Each kit contains three specially-designed masks which are fitted with a rubber seal to ensure the pet’s snout fits snugly. Unlike human masks, these masks accommodate the unique facial structure of cats and dogs which helps deliver the oxygen to pets quicker. The donated kits also contain tubing to connect a mask to an oxygen source and a guide on use and the proper amount of oxygen to administer based on the size of the animal.
VREC, a 24-hour veterinary emergency and referral hospital located in South Abington Township, has been generously donating oxygen mask kits to area first responders for nearly two years. In September 2017 VREC held a luncheon honoring first responders, where they distributed oxygen masks to departments from across the region (learn more). The event distributed over 85 kits to fire, police, and EMS services spread across several counties. One kit distributed was used to save an animal’s life the very next day. To date, the hospital has donated over 100 kits. VREC continues to offer kits to any area first responders at no cost.
VREC has dedicated emergency, critical care, internal medicine, surgery, and cardiology departments, with plans to expand the offerings in the future. The facility also boasts an on-site MRI unit, the only of its kind in the region. They have provided care to over 50,000 different pets since opening in 2010.
The hospital is proud to support the community and provide support for the area’s first responders. In addition to the mask kits, any active police K9 dog requiring veterinary care can obtain it at VREC 24/7 for no charge.
For more information about the oxygen mask kits or veterinary care, contact the hospital 24/7 at 570-587-7777.