A Mercer County  Fire Department has joined the list of Valley departments to now carry specialized pet saving equipment.

The Clark Volunteer Fire Department now has on hand two 'Fido Bags' provided by the non-profit Fetch Foundation.

Each bag contains special oxygen masks that are designed to fit on the snout of a dog or cat. In addition to the masks, the kits contain collapsible water bowls, protective gloves for the first responders handling the pet, as well as pet-friendly first-aid products.

"We are all animal lovers at our location, and that's why we wanted to have those tools available," said Coordinator Floyd McCluskey. "The humans are the priority. But to a pet owner, their pet is almost human."

According to the Fetch Foundation website, about a half million pets are affected by fires each year.

For more information on the kits, or to make a donation, click here.