QUEEN CREEK, AZ — If your pet was in distress with a medical emergency, would you have any idea how to save this furry member of your family? CPR is pretty common for people to learn on humans, but what about dogs and cats?
Pet Tech is one national company that offers hundreds of Pet Saver and CPR/First Aid courses for pet owners, and there are plenty happening right here in the Valley.
ABC15 went to a course taught by Pet Tech Certified Instructor Kay Richmond in Queen Creek. In her course, there isn't a lot of 'sit' and 'stay' because she wants hands-on experience for her participants.
"We get you to go through the actions," Richmond explained. "If you know what to do when you're nervous at this point, then you're way more likely to know about it in an emergency situation."
With stuffed dogs as a prop, Richmond walks the class of less than 10 through the CPR process.
Richmond owns AZ Pet Stylist, a mobile grooming business.
At first, she was only focused on making sure her employees had taken the course. But, now she advocates all pet parents get training of their own.
"In the human world, you have 911 and they'll talk you through CPR over the phone until the ambulance comes," Richmond described. "That does not exist in the pet industry."
The course can be completed in one day. You have a choice between a five-hour and an eight-hour course. Both go over CPR and First Aid, however, the longer courses also cover poisoning, insect bites, rattlesnake bites and more.
The course is approximately $120.
If you would like to see if there is a Pet Tech class coming up in your area, click here.
