New smart collar attachment helps firefighters quickly locate pets during emergencies

PHOENIX, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rescue Retriever, the innovators behind the first-ever smoke detector specifically designed to save pets in house fires, today launches a Kickstarter campaign for its groundbreaking new product: FireTag. This innovative collar attachment is designed to help firefighters quickly and easily locate pets during the chaos of house fires, significantly improving the chances pets are rescued safely.

Every year, more than 40,000 pets are tragically lost in house fires, primarily because animals instinctively hide during emergencies. While traditional smoke detectors effectively alert residents, pets remain vulnerable, hidden in hard-to-find places, compounded by heavy smoke and confusion.

FireTag addresses this critical gap. When paired wirelessly with the Rescue Retriever Gen 2 smoke detector, the FireTag activates a high-intensity strobe light attached to your pet's collar as soon as smoke is detected, increasing visibility on the exact location of your pet during rescue operations.

"We launched Rescue Retriever in 2023 and have successfully protected thousands of families' pets," said CEO Rusty Tussing "But for us, it's not enough. We wanted to improve the speed and accuracy with which firefighters on the ground are able to locate and rescue every pet. FireTag is our solution."

FireTag is a lightweight, low-profile design compatible with most standard pet collars. The waterproof, chew-resistant, and durable construction make it sustainable for everyday wear. In the event of a fire the wireless activation is triggered by the Rescue Retriever making a high-intensity strobe visible through dense smoke. It also features an optional GPS slot compatible with Apple AirTag or Android trackers. No apps, WiFi, or regular charging required. It's built specifically for real emergencies.

The Kickstarter campaign launched today, aiming to raise funds necessary to bring FireTag to pet owners across the country and enhance home pet safety nationwide. Backers will receive a Rescue Retriever Fire Safety Kit which includes (1) Rescue Retriever Gen 2 Smoke Detector, (1) FireTag & (1) Reflective Pet Total Sticker. The Early Bird Special (for the first 250 kits committed) in $99 USD. The Kickstarter campaign will run for 30 days. Expected product delivery date is early November.

To support the FireTag Kickstarter campaign and learn more about this lifesaving innovation, please visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rescueretriever/firetag-firefighter-designed-pet-rescue-tag

For more information on Rescue Retriever and their award-winning pet safety solutions, visit RescueRetriever.com or join our communities on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

About Rescue Retriever

Rescue Retriever, founded by twin brothers Ryan and Rusty Tussing, develops innovative safety solutions designed specifically to save pets during house fires and other emergencies. Born from personal experience and professional firefighting expertise, Rescue Retriever's flagship product is a specialized smoke detector that uses strobing lights to guide firefighters directly to pets in distress. The company is dedicated to increasing pet survival rates and providing pet owners peace of mind through enhanced emergency preparedness solutions.

Media Contact:
Chris Herbert
cherbert@pendulum-pr.com
614-448-8703

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SOURCE Rescue Retriever