When smoke fills a home, pets often hide—and first responders need the right tools to help them breathe again. For National Pet Fire Safety Day, Orlando Cat Café marked our ninth consecutive year donating pet oxygen masks to Lake County Fire Rescue, continuing a mission close to our hearts: helping every animal get a second chance.
Our donation ceremony took place Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 10 a.m., as we celebrated the day recognized by the American Kennel Club and ADT. According to coverage of the event, roughly 50,000 pets are affected by home fires each year—a sobering reminder of why equipping local crews with pet oxygen masks in Lake County matters so much.
Equipping Lake County first responders
Our long-term goal is simple and ambitious: help equip every fire apparatus in Lake County with pet oxygen masks. The Wag’N Pet Oxygen Mask Kits we donate come in three sizes and can be used on dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and other small animals—because fires don’t discriminate by species, and neither should rescue gear.
Sandra has shared that responders have already used donated masks in the field. That feedback fuels our commitment to keep showing up—year after year—for the pets who can’t call for help themselves. Nine consecutive years of donations isn’t a one-time photo op; it’s a partnership with Lake County Fire Rescue we intend to sustain.
Why pets need special rescue gear
In a fire, pets often hide under beds, in closets, or in other tight spaces. Firefighters racing against smoke and heat need gear designed for animal faces and airways—not just human equipment. Pet oxygen masks give responders a practical way to administer oxygen quickly once an animal is located.
- Ninth consecutive year of donations to Lake County Fire Rescue
- Wag’N Pet Oxygen Mask Kits in three sizes for multiple species
- Aligned with National Pet Fire Safety Day (AKC + ADT)
- Goal: outfit every Lake County fire apparatus
- ~50,000 pets affected by home fires yearly (per article coverage)
Compassion beyond the lounge
Saving lives is at the core of everything we do—whether it’s matching adoptable cats with forever families or supporting the heroes who run toward danger. Pet fire safety is one more way our café community gives back, extending care beyond Clermont’s lounge and into Lake County homes when seconds count.
Curious about the full story behind this year’s ceremony? Read South Lake Tablet’s coverage of our ninth annual pet oxygen mask donation.
When you’re ready for a calmer kind of rescue mission—coffee and cuddles—visit us in Clermont or reserve at orlandocatcafe.com.
