A dramatic rescue in Phoenix, Arizona, ended with a cat back in its owner's arms after firefighters pulled the animal from a garage fire and used a pet oxygen mask to help revive it.
Here's what to know
Citing the Phoenix Fire Department, WFLA reported that crews were sent to a home near 35th Avenue and Peoria Avenue, where heavy smoke and flames were coming from the garage.
Footage released by the Phoenix Fire Department shows firefighters placing a "Fido Mask," a specialized pet oxygen mask, over the cat's face after crews found the animal while searching the home and battling the fire.
Once it received oxygen, crews returned the cat to its owner.
"Thank you! I love that you all give your all and work so hard for the community (and our pets)," one viewer commented on the video.
"I have 6 pets and I feel a little less anxious about a potential fire when I see these videos from PFD. You guys are awesome," another added.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
More background
Even when an animal is not burned, smoke inhalation alone can quickly become life-threatening.
Pet oxygen masks are designed to fit animals better than standard equipment, allowing first responders to deliver oxygen more effectively in the critical moments after a rescue.
Emergency crews are often tasked not just with stopping the fire but also with searching for and saving every life inside, including animals.
What's being done?
While handling the garage fire, firefighters also searched the house, found the cat, and used the rescue equipment they had with them to treat it right away.
Departments that carry pet oxygen masks can make a meaningful difference. When animals are found unconscious or struggling to breathe, those extra minutes of oxygen support may be crucial.
"A family of four has been displaced and is receiving assistance from the Community Assistance Program," the fire department said.
Where can I learn more?
Fire crews have carried out similar rescues in apartment fires, basement blazes, and even wildfire zones, using oxygen or CPR to help animals pulled from smoke and flames. These stories are a reminder of how quickly pets can be overcome in an emergency and how much the right equipment can matter.
• In Riverside County, firefighters revived four unconscious cats after pulling them from an apartment fire.
• At a basement bedroom fire, crews gave a small dog oxygen after carrying it safely outside.
• Near Tampa, a firefighter gave an ash-covered fawn oxygen after freeing it from brush.
Cases like these show that animals often need the same fast emergency care people do. They also highlight the difference trained crews and specialized gear can make when every minute counts.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
