Firefighters administered oxygen and CPR to two dogs after a fire caused significant damage to a Florey house on Saturday.
Three people, a mother, son and grandmother, fled the home uninjured about 3.40pm after a smoke alarm was activated.
ACT Fire and Rescue Commander Russel Cameron said the rear of the house was well alight and the residents were waiting on the front lawn when crews arrived at the scene.
Crews extinguished the fire within four minutes, unaware that two dogs were still inside the front room of the house.
The spaniels were lifeless and not breathing when firefighters found them underneath a bed.
Crews used oxygen units usually used for humans and performed CPR on the dogs.
The pets were revived, to the relief of their owners, and were taken to a nearby vet.
The fire caused significant smoke and heat damage throughout the home. Pots on the stove had completely melted in the blaze while Christmas presents were also damaged.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage but it is not considered to be suspicious.
The residents did not need medical care and have been placed in temporary accommodation.
Commander Cameron said people needed to be vigilant over the summer period when Christmas lights, barbecues and kitchen appliances added to the fire risk.
"It's sad any time but to have it this time of year when they are starting to get ready for Christmas is devastating," Commander Cameron said.
"It's important that everyone has a working smoke alarm."
