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I'd like to organize a first aid class for pet owners, how could I go about doing this?

I was thinking about asking Pet Smart if they would down for allowing a class once a month with the class cost going for our local Animal Aid or Humane Society. Any suggestions on how to organize this? Who could I ask to lead the class perhaps a local vet? And about how long should the class be? I was thinking 2 hrs. w/ a 15 min. break for snacks. I would suggest people leave their pets home and someone (like from Animal Aid) bring a very calm cat and/or dog for demonstrations along w/ using maybe stuffed dogs. People don't realize that CPR is different for dogs/cats then it is for people. Also, what to do in an emergency (pet gets hit by car, pet gets attacked by another animal) would be discussed and maybe little pet first-aid kits and pamphlets could be distributed. The class cost could cover the kits.
I'd like to hear from people who have attended maybe something like this or anyone who just loves pets and has some good suggestions! ANY FEEDBACK APPRECIATED!
I also think a certificate of class participation could be given out and those stickers for the fire department that let them know how many animals and what kinds are in your home.
GOOD IDEA????????????
Could save potentially many pets lives I think!

Public Comments

1. This is a admirable idea, but the class must be conducted by a veterinarian, or the person giving it could be sued. You must also speak to the public relations person at your local humane society, and present the idea - they would have to approve of the use of their name, no matter what.

It is very possible that a local vet might be willing to volunteer their time - or perhaps a certified vet tech could also do it- just speak to the humane society you wish to benefit first, and they may have people they could ask, already.

Even if they don't end up participating in this way, a rescue would be happy to have someone like you, who is thinking of ways to do severtal great things at once - if one doesn't snap you up, ask another.

2. I really like this;
It's a smart idea and also admirable
Your doing a great thing- this can say lives
Youre the kinda person the dog world needs; good 4 u

3. Sounds like a very good idea to me. But you must understand you might not get a lot of people at first

so ADVERTISE.I would also recommend not making this class very expensive. Instead of asking

someone bringing a very calm cat or dog i would recommend stuffed animals(like you said)because

your gonna worry about you pressing onto the animal when their is nothing wrong with him and it

will make you look bad. You could make pamphlets and first aid kits but honestly why do more

work? I would suggest making a list of things need to be in a 1st aid kit. I would only do like an hour

to an hour and a half. I would suggest some type of snack but not 15 mins. Maybe like 10. You

should just bring a box of cookies and juice boxes. I would recommend what to do if you animal is

hit by a car that would be good. I would also do if your animal wont stop puking (graphic) I know :(.

It's all for the love of animals:)

4. I know that the Red Cross does have classes for first aid for dogs and cats but, I really don't know the details on it.

5. Believe it or not the American Red Cross actually has a pet first aid program. You might look into starting a class up in your aria. That way you would have the necessary course material, etc,etc.

6. Call your local chapter of the Red Cross.
They offer pet first aid classes and have a really great book and first aid kit that can be purchased.
The first aid kit is really good and small enough to take on your belt. We carry one with us when we hunt with our dogs.
The class they give is very good and answers most questions. The book is a wonderful reference and no home with pets should be with out one.

7. I think that is a great idea! Stores like Pet Smart and Pet Co would most likely host. Talking to a local vet would be your best most accurate bet as far as teaching goes. If it's once a month, you might want to consider having shorter classes and make it basically a series. There is a lot to cover, and not everyone is willing to be there that long. At least, where I'm from I know people wouldn't come if it was 2 hours. I would, but most wouldn't. A good plan would be finding out what is needed for the pamphlets and first aid kits and how much they will cost so you can factor that into your budget. Those are just some of the things i would look at. I have never been to one, but I sure wish we had those classes here.

8. First aid for dogs, just like first aid for humans, is an effective combination of knowledge, supplies and skills, put into action for the benefit of your four-legged friend.