chris kaltenbach of "the baltimore sun" felt it was "too busy being inspirational and cuddly to be funny or pointed" and "plays out as though its plot was stuck in molasses". frank lovece of "film journal international" capped his review by suggesting that, ""firehouse dog" should be put to sleep before it can do the same to audiences". michael phillips of the "chicago tribune" (april 11, 2007) says: "once it figures out it is more drama than comedy, "firehouse dog" exceeds your limited expectations...while the movie's ad campaign suggests wacky antics all the way, a surprisingly affecting and well-acted father/son relationship develops."