Pet First Aid

First aid for our fur babies we treat like children!

Three cartoon dogs, two black with brown eyes and one small tan with darker fur on the back, all smiling with tongues out. They wear colored collars with bone-shaped tags.

All of our Pet First Aid courses (other than pet first aid for children) are written and developed by ProTrainings and are CPD accredited, ensuring the content meets recognised continuing professional development standards.

These courses are also available as a bespoke version created specifically by Emberiza Minis. Our customised courses are written and certificated by Emberiza Minis and can be tailored to suit your organisation, team, or event.

  • Bespoke Course Options

    Our bespoke pet first aid courses can be adapted to include specific topics or scenarios that are relevant to your needs, such as:

    • Pet owners and families

    • Pet sitters and dog walkers

    • Groomers and pet professionals

    • Animal care staff and volunteers

    • Specific species or environments

    Important Information

    While bespoke courses can be customised to include the topics you want, they cannot be classified as a Level 2 or Level 3 VTQ qualification.

    If you require a formal Level 2 or Level 3 VTQ, you will need to take the standard courses listed below.

Our Courses

  • The Level 3 Advanced Pet First Aid course is a blended learning programme, combining online learning with practical training to give participants the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to pet emergencies.

    This course covers the essential principles of advanced pet first aid, including legal responsibilities, the role of the veterinarian, and recognising when professional veterinary care is required. Learners will develop the skills to manage a wide range of emergency situations such as CPR, choking, drowning, bleeding, shock, fractures, spinal injuries, poisoning, burns, and heat-related illnesses.

    Participants will also explore animal anatomy and physiology, learn how to check a pet’s vital signs, recognise signs of pain or illness, and use pet first aid equipment and kits correctly. The course also covers common health conditions, injuries, and emergency care for dogs, cats, puppies, older pets, and small breeds.

    Upon completion, learners will have a strong understanding of advanced pet first aid techniques and how to provide immediate care while awaiting veterinary treatment.

    This course is CPD accredited and certificated through ProTrainings

    This course is perfect for:

    • Pet owners

    • Dog Walkers

    • Kennels

    • Pet stores

    • Vet nurses

    • Vet students

    • Groomers

    This is also available with an endorsed certificate from TQUK for an extra charge

  • The Level 2 Canine First Aid (VTQ) course is a online or classroom based course. Classroom learning includes practical training to build the skills and confidence needed to respond to emergencies involving dogs.

    Learners will cover the key principles of canine first aid, including understanding legal responsibilities, recognising when veterinary care is required, and learning how to respond to common emergencies such as CPR, choking, bleeding, shock, fractures, poisoning, burns, and heat-related illnesses.

    Participants will also gain an understanding of basic canine anatomy and physiology, learn how to check a dog’s vital signs, recognise signs of pain or illness, and correctly use canine first aid kits and equipment.

    By the end of the course, learners will have the knowledge and confidence to provide immediate first aid to a dog while awaiting veterinary treatment. Successful participants will receive a Level 2 Canine First Aid (VTQ) certificate.

    This course is CPD accredited and certificated through ProTrainings

    This Course is perfect for:

    • Owners

    • Dog sitters

    • Dog Walkers

  • The Canine First Aid for Hydrotherapists is a 6-hour course, combining online study with practical learning to support those working with dogs in hydrotherapy or rehabilitation environments.

    This course provides essential knowledge in canine first aid and emergency awareness, helping hydrotherapy professionals recognise and respond to potential incidents that may occur during or around water-based therapy sessions.

    Topics include an introduction to first aid, drowning and water-related emergencies, injuries, the safe use of muzzles, basic canine anatomy, first aid kits, health checks and vital signs, CPR, bleeding control, illnesses, bites and stings, and common diseases affecting dogs.

    Participants will develop the confidence to identify early signs of distress or illness, respond to emergencies, and support canine safety while awaiting veterinary care.

    By the end of the course, learners will have a stronger understanding of canine safety, health monitoring, and emergency first aid in hydrotherapy settings. Successful participants will receive a Canine Hydrotherapist Level 3 (VTQ) certificate.

    This course is also CPD accredited.

    This course is perfect for:

    • trainees

    • canine hydrotherapists

    • veterinary physiotherapists

    • staff working in pet rehabilitation centres

  • The Level 2 Cat Care course is a 3 hour practical course to provide a strong foundation in the care, health, and welfare of cats.

    This course is designed for pet owners, animal carers, and those working with cats who want to develop a deeper understanding of feline needs.

    Learners will explore key topics including cat behaviour, pedigree cats, handling and restraint, nutrition, grooming, health checks, pregnancy and maintaining a safe environment for cats around your home.

    Participants will also learn how to recognise common signs of illness, stress, or injury, understand the importance of vaccinations, parasite control, and routine veterinary care, and gain confidence in providing daily care for kittens, adult cats, and older cats.

    By the end of the course, learners will have the knowledge and practical skills needed to support the health, wellbeing, and safe handling of cats in a variety of care settings. Successful participants will receive a Level 2 Cat Care certificate.

    This course is CPD accredited and certificated by ProTrainings

    This course is perfect for

    • Cat Owners

    • Cat Sitters

  • The Level 2 Dog Care course is a 3 hour practical course to provide a strong foundation in the care, health, and welfare of dogs

    This course is designed for pet owners, animal carers, and those working with dogs who want to develop a deeper understanding of canine needs.

    Learners will explore key topics including behaviour, pedigree and breeding, handling and restraint, nutrition, grooming, health checks, pregnancy and maintaining a safe environment for dogs and puppies around your home.

    Participants will also learn how to recognise common signs of illness, stress, or injury, understand the importance of vaccinations, parasite control, and routine veterinary care, and gain confidence in providing daily care for dogs, puppies and elderly dogs of all breeds.

    By the end of the course, learners will have the knowledge and practical skills needed to support the health, wellbeing, and safe handling of cats in a variety of care settings. Successful participants will receive a Level 2 dog Care certificate.

    This course is perfect for:

    • Dog owners

    • Dog sitters

    • Anyone enthusiastic about dogs

    This course is CPD accredited and certificated through ProTrainings

  • This Pet First Aid Level 2 VTQ course is a practical 4-hour training programme designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills to respond to common pet emergencies.

    Learners will gain the confidence to recognise signs of illness or injury, provide immediate first aid, and stabilise pets until veterinary care can be accessed. The course focuses primarily on dogs and cats, while also covering principles applicable to other small animals.


    Participants will gain an understanding of how to assess emergency situations and provide basic first aid for pets. Key topics include recognising signs of illness or injury, checking vital signs, performing pet CPR, managing bleeding and wounds, responding to choking and breathing difficulties, treating burns, fractures and shock, and recognising emergencies such as poisoning, seizures, heatstroke and hypothermia. The course also covers how to safely approach, handle and transport an injured animal.

    Who the Course is For:

    • Pet owners and animal lovers

    • Dog walkers and pet sitters

    • Groomers and kennel staff

    • Veterinary receptionists or assistants

    • Animal care students

    • Anyone responsible for the welfare of pets

    This course is CPD accredited and certificated through ProTrainings

  • This Pet first aid for children course is a fun, interactive 1 to 3 hour course bespoke written to different age groups and is designed to teach children the basics of helping pets in an emergency.

    The course introduces young learners to the importance of animal welfare and teaches them how to recognise when a pet may be hurt or unwell, and what safe steps they can take to help until an adult or veterinary professional is available.

    The course focuses mainly on dogs and cats, while also discussing other common household pets. Children will learn how to recognise when a pet may be injured or unwell and how to respond calmly and safely.

    Topics can include (depending on the age group) understanding basic pet body language, checking if a pet is breathing, learning the basics of pet CPR, helping with minor injuries such as cuts or bleeding, and recognising common emergencies such as choking, heatstroke, or poisoning.

    The course also teaches children how to approach animals safely and when to seek help from an adult or veterinarian.

    Who the Course is For:

    • Children with pets at home

    • Young animal lovers

    • Children interested in animal care or veterinary work

    • School or youth groups

    • Children who want to learn how to care for animals safely

  • This Pet First Aid for Emergency Services – Level 2 VTQ course is a focused 4-hour training programme designed to provide emergency service personnel with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage pets encountered during incidents and emergencies.

    The course covers how to recognise injury or illness in animals, provide basic first aid where appropriate, and safely handle pets until veterinary care or animal welfare professionals can take over. The training focuses primarily on dogs and cats, which are the animals most commonly encountered during emergency callouts.


    Participants will learn how to assess situations involving injured or distressed animals and respond safely while protecting themselves and others.

    Topics include recognising signs of injury or illness, assessing breathing and vital signs, basic pet CPR, controlling bleeding, managing wounds and shock, and responding to common emergencies such as choking, heatstroke, poisoning, and trauma. The course also covers safe approaches to unfamiliar animals, basic restraint techniques, and safe transport of injured pets during an incident.

    Who the Course is For:

    • Fire and rescue personnel

    • Police officers and community support officers

    • Ambulance service staff

    • Search and rescue teams

    • Emergency response volunteers

    • Anyone working in emergency services who may encounter pets during incidents

    This course is CPD accredited and certificated through ProTrainings

  • This Pet First Aid for Pet Professionals Level 3 VTQ is a blended course designed for individuals working professionally with animals.

    There will be 8 hours of online modules to complete prior to a 6 hour face to face session.

    The course provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond confidently to pet emergencies, recognise signs of illness or injury, and provide appropriate first aid until veterinary care is available. The training also has a specific section focusing on cats.


    Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how to assess and manage emergency situations involving pets. Topics include conducting a full primary assessment, monitoring vital signs, performing pet CPR and rescue breathing, managing bleeding and wounds, dealing with fractures and shock, and responding to emergencies such as choking, poisoning, seizures, heatstroke and trauma. The course also covers safe handling and restraint of injured animals, incident management in a professional environment, and the safe transportation of animals to veterinary care.

    Who the Course is For:

    • Dog walkers

    • Pet sitters and home boarders

    • Dog trainers and behaviourists

    • Groomers and salon staff

    • Kennel and cattery staff

    • Pet daycare staff

    • Animal care professionals who have responsibility for pets in their care

    This course is CPD accredited and certificated through ProTrainings

  • The Security Dog First Aid – VTQ course is designed specifically for handlers and professionals working with security dogs. This course provides the essential knowledge and practical skills required to recognise injury or illness in working dogs and deliver immediate first aid until veterinary care is available.

    This course is approved by the National Association of Security Dog Users (NASDU) to meet the requirement for pet first aid within their operational standards. Understanding first aid is essential for security dog handlers not only to comply with association and local authority requirements, but also to promote high standards of animal welfare and ensure a dog receives immediate help when needed.

    Working security dogs operate in demanding environments and may face risks during deployment, training, or transport. The nature of this work means that injuries or medical emergencies can occur, and handlers must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively.

    We have designed this course to meet the NASDU learning outcomes, while also including additional modules to provide a deeper understanding of emergency care for working dogs. The course focuses on practical, real-world situations that handlers may encounter while working with their dogs.

    What You Will Learn:
    Participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to assess and manage emergency situations involving working dogs. Topics include recognising signs of illness or injury, assessing vital signs, conducting a primary assessment, performing canine CPR and rescue breathing, controlling bleeding, managing wounds and shock, and responding to emergencies such as choking, heatstroke, poisoning, and trauma. The course also covers safe handling of injured dogs and the safe transportation of a dog to veterinary care.

    Who the Course is For:

    • Security dog handlers

    • Professional dog handling teams

    • Security companies using working dogs

    • Individuals working towards security dog handling qualifications

    • Anyone responsible for the welfare of a working security dog

    This course is CPD accredited and certificated through ProTrainings

  • The Service Dog First Aid Level 2 (VTQ) course is designed to provide essential first aid knowledge and practical skills for those responsible for the care of service and working dogs. These highly trained dogs play a vital role in supporting public safety, assistance work, and specialist services, and understanding how to respond to medical emergencies is crucial for their welfare.

    Learn how to protect and care for active or retired police dogs with the ProTrainings Service Dog First Aid course, created in partnership with the London Retired Police Dog Trust. The course focuses on recognising injuries and illness in working dogs and providing immediate care until professional veterinary treatment is available.

    Service dogs, particularly police and specialist working dogs, may face unique risks during operational work, training, and retirement. This course has been developed to ensure handlers, carers, and supporters of these dogs understand how to respond effectively and confidently when emergencies occur.

    What You Will Learn:
    Participants will learn how to recognise signs of injury or illness in service dogs and respond safely in emergency situations. Topics include conducting a primary assessment, checking vital signs, performing canine CPR and rescue breathing, controlling bleeding, treating wounds, recognising shock, and responding to emergencies such as choking, heatstroke, poisoning, seizures, and trauma. The course also covers safe handling of injured dogs and the safe transportation of a dog to veterinary care.

    Who the Course is For:

    • Police dog handlers and support staff

    • Owners or carers of retired police dogs

    • Service dog handlers

    • Volunteers supporting service dog organisations

    • Animal care professionals working with service dogs

    This course is CPD accredited and certificated through ProTrainings

A person with a tattoo on their arm is receiving first aid training from another person, who is applying a bandage to the person's arm.

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