Training Classes, Animals, Pet First Aid & CPR Training available at Animal Rescue League

If you don’t know, your pet may be at risk. The Animal Rescue League of Iowa and the American Red Cross have teamed up to offer a Pet First Aid Course that can help you save your pet’s life in emergency situations.

This course teaches students how to give immediate, temporary care to a dog or cat until it can be transported to a veterinarian for professional care. The class includes information and an opportunity to practice mouth-to-snout rescue breathing. Topics include first aid for choking, CPR, controlling bleeding, bandaging, sudden illness and pets and disasters.

Course Fees and Registration Information
$25 per person for 3-hour class. Click here to register. You may also register through the American Red Cross. If minimum enrollment is not reached two business days prior to the course date, it may be canceled or rescheduled. Class size is limited to 6-12 students.

No person will be denied enrollment for inability to pay a course fee. Partial or full scholarships are available upon request. For further information, please contact the Red Cross at 515/246-6304.

If you are unable to attend a course for which you are registered, a minimum 48-hour notice must be given to the Red Cross to enable the transfer of fees to another Pet First Aid class. A refund of the course fee, less $3, will be given with 24-hour notice.

Because full attendance at the course is required, those who are late will not be allowed to stay and will forfeit their fees. Please allow for ample driving time. Need directions? Call 515/262-9503 during shelter hours or visit the ARL’s locations link for a map and directions.

Classes are held at the ARL, 5452 N.E. 22nd St., Des Moines, or at the Red Cross, 2116 Grand Ave., Des Moines. Course instructors are trained and certified by the American Red Cross and donate their time on behalf of the ARL and the welfare of all animals.

If you have a cold, sore throat, cuts or sores on your hands or around your mouth, or if you believe you have been exposed to an infectious disease, you should reschedule your class. For the health and safety of other participants, you will not be able to practice on the manikins.

Pet First Aid Kits

The ARL and the American Red Cross offer pet first aid kits for sale, or you can put together your own. The following are the recommended contents of a pet first aid kit:

1 Pair Latex Gloves
2 – 2’ x 2” Gauze Pads
1 – 3” x 4” Non-Adhesive Pad
1 Rescue Blanket
1 Styptic Pencil
1 Kit Scissors
1 Tongue Depressor
2 Alcohol Prep Pads
2 Triple Antibiotic 1/8 oz.
1 – 2” Conforming Bandage
2 – 3” x 3” Gauze Pad
1 Muslin Sling Bandage
1 – ½” x 5 yard Adhesive Tape
1 Tweezers
1 Absorbent Cotton
1 Antiseptic Wipes

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