A Morris County animal clinic is doing its part to make sure pets are able to get treatment if they are caught in a fire.

According to officials, every year thousands of pets die from smoke inhalation in house fires. The Animal Clinic of Morris Plains in Denville is participating in a nationwide program called "Project Breathe."

The initiative, launched by the Canine Company, makes sure oxygen equipment designed for animals makes its way into the hands of first responders.

"That is probably the single most important thing that you can do in a case of smoke inhalation is deliver oxygen," says Paul Sedlacek, owner of the Animal Clinic of Morris Plains. "You're taking in the most important treatment and putting it into a situation where it can be delivered early instead of hours later when they eventually come to a veterinary clinic."

The clinic received three tanks and sets from the Canine Company and are working with first responders on how to use the equipment.