These courses are listed by approved training centres. Please contact them directly regarding payments and availability queries.

Pet First Aid Awareness

Training Approved by Skills for Care
Find a Course

This two-hour Pet First Aid Awareness course provides learners with essential knowledge to help them recognise and respond to common pet emergencies.

The course introduces the principles of pet first aid, how to keep yourself and the animal safe, and the importance of obtaining professional veterinary care. Learners will explore how to recognise signs of illness, injury and distress and what immediate action can be taken to help prevent a condition from becoming worse.

Topics include choking, CPR awareness, shock, bleeding, fractures and spinal injuries, toxic foods, bloat, burns, heat-related emergencies, stings, ticks and environmental hazards. The course also considers the safe handling and transportation of injured pets, as well as first aid considerations for cats and small animals.

This course is designed to give learners greater confidence in recognising an emergency, taking appropriate initial action and knowing when urgent veterinary assistance is required.

Pet owners and family members
Dog walkers and pet sitters
Dog groomers
Kennel and cattery staff
Pet boarding and day-care staff
Pet shop employees
Animal rescue and charity volunteers
Dog trainers and behaviourists
People working in pet-friendly businesses
Anyone responsible for animals who wants basic pet first aid awareness

LO1: Understand the principles of pet first aid

1.1 State the aims of pet first aid.
1.2 Explain the importance of obtaining professional veterinary assistance.
1.3 Identify the limitations of the pet first aider.
1.4 Describe how to keep themselves and the animal safe during a pet emergency.

LO2: Understand how to recognise and respond to life-threatening pet emergencies

2.1 Identify signs that a pet may be seriously ill or injured.
2.2 Describe how to check a pet’s breathing and general condition.
2.3 Describe the appropriate first aid response to choking and breathing difficulties.
2.4 Explain the basic principles of pet CPR.
2.5 Recognise the signs of shock and describe appropriate first aid action.

LO3: Understand how to respond to common pet injuries

3.1 Describe how to control external bleeding.
3.2 Identify signs of fractures and possible spinal injuries.
3.3 Describe how to safely handle and move an injured pet.
3.4 Describe the immediate first aid treatment for burns and temperature-related emergencies.
3.5 Explain when an injury requires urgent veterinary attention.

LO4: Understand common illnesses, poisoning risks and environmental hazards affecting pets

4.1 Identify common signs of illness in pets.
4.2 Identify common foods and substances that may be toxic or harmful to pets.
4.3 Recognise signs associated with serious conditions such as bloat.
4.4 Identify common outdoor and environmental hazards, including stings and ticks.
4.5 Explain when veterinary advice or emergency treatment should be sought.

LO5: Understand how to support and care for a pet during and following an emergency

5.1 Describe how to safely reassure and handle an injured or unwell pet.
5.2 Explain appropriate methods for transporting a pet to veterinary care.
5.3 Identify basic first aid considerations for dogs, cats and small animals.
5.4 Describe the importance of monitoring a pet following an injury or illness and following veterinary advice.

Find a Course