FAIRFAX, VA. Friday, August 11, 2017 — For more than 100 years, the American Red Cross has been training people to perform first aid skills so they could save the lives of others. Now, the organization announces the release of its new Cat and Dog First Aid online course so that owners will know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available.

“Millions of people learn how to respond to emergencies and save lives by enrolling in American Red Cross training programs,” said Linda Mathes, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross in the National Capital Region. “Now, cat and dog owners, pet-sitters and dog walkers can take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course and learn life-saving skills for their pets.”

People can access the course on their desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid and go through the content at their own pace. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the course. Participants can stop and pick up where they left off if Fluffy needs a treat or it’s time to take Fido out to the dog park.

The interactive course includes:

*  How to determine a pet’s normal vital signs so that owners can notice if there are any irregularities;

*  Step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound, or is having a seizure; and 

*  Information on preventative care, health and tips for a pet’s well-being.

DOWNLOAD THE PET FIRST AID APP

The Red Cross Pet First Aid App complements the course by providing cat and dog owners with instant access to expert advice, an animal hospital locator, pet-friendly hotels, content on how to include pets in family emergency preparedness plans and more.

The app can be downloaded for free in mobile app stores or by texting ‘GETPET’ to 90999. American Pet Nutrition is a proud sponsor of the Pet First Aid App.