The Carbon County Animal Response Team is looking into starting a campaign to provide pet oxygen masks to area emergency organizations.

During the group's monthly meeting on Monday, guest speaker Jay Woodford, coordinator of the Schuylkill County Animal Response Team, gave a presentation on how the Schuylkill group organized a sponsorship program in the county to cover the expenses of pet oxygen masks.He said in Schuylkill, the CART team gave 65 pet oxygen resuscitation kits to the county's ambulance companies for use in emergency situations where animals are suffering from smoke inhalation or other issues as a result of a disaster. The ambulance companies were not required to pay anything for the kit.Woodford explained that the sponsorship program ran seven months and raised more than $4,000 to cover the cost of the kit, which includes a set of three masks and a case. Each mask and case cost $65.The campaign depended on the support of area businesses and residents to make it successful. Individuals, families, and other organizations were given the opportunity to donate the money to pay for one set of masks. They were also able to memorialize them and give them to the ambulance company of their choice.Woodford said the campaign was a success due to the support of the community.The reusable pet resuscitation kits come in three sizes small, medium and large and fit over the animal's snout. It is then connected to an oxygen tank and provides the animal with fresh oxygen.Members of the Carbon CART team listened intently to Woodford's presentation and began bouncing ideas around on how they can complete this campaign within the county.In other matters, Donna Crum, Carbon CART coordinator and county animal cruelty officer, announced that due to changes in her current schedule, she is forced to cut some of her hours and will only be able to take emergency calls in regard to animals in trouble.The schedule for the next four CART meetings have also been announced. Meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m., on Feb. 24, March 29, April 28, and May 24, at the Carbon County Emergency Management Agency, located on the Broad Mountain in Nesquehoning.New volunteers are always welcome.