They are treated and loved the same as any other member of the family. So naturally when a house fire hits, people worry about the safety of their pets who can suffer from the devastating effects of smoke inhalation.
To try and give animals a better chance of survival, a veterinary practice has raised money to supply pet oxygen masks to four fire stations in West Norfolk.
King's Lynn-based Mill House Veterinary Surgery and Hospital launched a fundraising campaign last year to buy three oxygen masks for King's Lynn Fire Station.
But such was people's generosity, £650 was raised and an additional three masks have been distributed to Dersingham, Terrington St Clement and Downham Market fire stations.
Bob Ayers, King's Lynn Fire Station manager, said: 'Over the years I have found people are more concerned about their pet's survival than their own.
'In the past we have relied on our own first aid equipment which we used on human beings.
'Now it gives us the specialist equipment to use to give the animals the best chance of survival.'
He added: 'We are very grateful to the practice for raising the money.
'At the end of the day we are there for humanity as well as human life.'
The pet oxygen masks are supplied by Smokey Paws - a not for profit charity aiming to ensure that the whole of the UK fire service carry pet oxygen masks to help resuscitate family pets in the event of smoke inhalation during a fire.
The sets cost £90 each and contain three masks - one for dogs, one for cats and one for small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
Paula Grant, from the veterinary surgery, said it is 'heartbreaking' seeing pets which have been caught up in a house fire.
She said: 'It means everything. It means that all household pets have a much better chance now.
'It is a brilliant result for everyone really. We are just over the moon with how it turned out.'
The clinical director of Mill House Dr Sarah Colegrave added: 'We have been overwhelmed by the response our campaign has received and are so grateful to everyone who donated.
'We can't thank our donors enough for their generosity.'
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