Pet-saving smoke detector with strobe light debuts at CES 2026

Rescue Retriever, a startup founded by firefighter Rusty Tussing, has introduced a paw-shaped smoke detector at CES 2026 designed specifically to help firefighters locate pets during house fires. Unlike traditional smoke alarms that emit sound and are ceiling-mounted, Rescue Retriever is placed where pets typically stay—such as dog crates or hiding spots for cats—and activates a silent, bright strobe light when smoke is detected. This visual signal guides firefighters directly to pets in smoky conditions. Additionally, the product includes an exterior sticker indicating the number of pets inside and the presence of the device, alerting first responders before they enter the home. Tussing emphasizes that Rescue Retriever is not a replacement for standard smoke detectors but a complementary tool focused on pet search and rescue. Looking ahead, Rescue Retriever plans to enhance its technology with connected features, including a collar tag equipped with GPS or Apple AirTag functionality and a companion app. The app aims to alert owners during fires, show pet locations, and potentially monitor pet health data.