The Lake Travis Fire Department now has more options at its disposal to help pets who may be affected by smoke inhalation, thanks to Natural Pawz, which donated five of the oxygen mask kits to the department, according to KXAN. At about $75 each, the kits are reusable and come with three sizes of masks to accommodate both cats and dogs.
Natural Pawz is a healthy pet food store that just opened a new location in Steiner Ranch, at the Quinlan Crossing shopping center near Randalls. The Steiner Ranch location is the 18th store for the chain, which began in Houston and also has a store in Round Rock. Last fall Natural Pawz donated nine pet oxygen masks to the Round Rock Fire Department. For the Steiner Ranch grand opening, Natural Pawz also donated a portion of the day’s proceeds to the Steiner Ranch Elementary School Parent Teacher Association.
Including hundreds of kits that have been donated in the Houston area, the owners of Natural Pawz believe that over 25 animals have been saved as a result of the kits, according to a write-up in the Austin American-Statesman. In the same article, Lake Travis Fire Rescue Chief Robert Abbott is quoted as saying that between 50 and 75 percent of homes where firefighters respond have pets.
Natural Pawz provides, human-grade, all-natural food and treats for cats and dogs and is owned by husband and wife team Biff Picone and Nadine Joli-Coeur. Natural Pawz was named the Health and Wellness Retailer of the Year by Pet Product News International.