(St. Peters, Missouri) JUNE 6, 2016 – For 20 years, Central County Fire & Rescue (CCFR) has worked with area hotels to offer a program called "First Night," which provides area families affected by home fires a free night of lodging when they have nowhere else to go.

Now, CCFR will be able to provide the same program for its residents' family pets, thanks to its new partnership with Kennelwood Pet Resort. 

"Kennelwood has a 24-hour operation where they can accept the pets, and provide them with a safe and comfortable accommodations," Assistant Fire Chief Steve Brown says. "This is a great program for residents facing a chaotic and confusing set of circumstances. It's just one less thing they have to worry about."

The first night's stay is free, and Kennelwood will often work with insurance companies to provide additional assistance, Brown says.

CCFR Engineer Tim Mosher is credited with putting this program together.

"Tim was on the scene of a house fire and the resident was very distraught because they had nowhere to go with their pets," Brown says. "We're so proud of Tim for taking the time work with the team at Kennelwood to get this program approved.

"It's just another great example of our firefighters' commitment to putting residents first in the community they've been called to serve."

Adds Kennelwood president Alan Jones: "Kennelwood is proud to join with Central County Fire & Rescue, and help families who have experienced a tragic home fire. We understand that this is a traumatic time for a family and we're happy to offer a safe and comfortable space for their four-legged family members."

Questions? Call 636.970.9700 or email steveb@ccfrmail.org.