Q: How do I get more information on getting certified in Pet First Aid?
-Julie Fredrick, The PetSitter-SW Boise & SE/SW Meridian, Boise, ID
A: If you can’t find a Pet Tech Instructor in your area, check out the local Red Cross or consider becoming a Pet Tech First Aid and CPR Instructor! What you should look for in a Pet First Aid and CPR class is a minimum of four hours of training. The class should consist of a lecture, a demonstration and hands-on skills practice. Skills and topics should include (but not to be limited to) the following: restraining and muzzling, primary pet assessment, pet CPR (there are three styles to cover different pet anatomies), rescue breathing, choking management, bleeding & and shock management, seizures, poisoning and pet first aid kit contents. The class should be from 30 to 40 percent hands-on practice of skills, with the balance being demonstrations and lecture. Topics should include signs, symptoms and actions for survival and prevention. You should also receive professionally-printed materials relevant to the training. The card you receive for participation should be valid for no more than two years.
Q: I think everything you guys do is great and helpful. As a new pet sitter, I would appreciate lots of information on detecting and treating medical problems (ones that don't necessarily need a vet.) Also, tips on how to give medicine, etc. would be greatly appreciated.
-Karin Evans, For Paws Pet Sitting LLC, Cape Coral, FL
A: Karin, I appreciate your enthusiasm in wanting to learn more about the health of your clients’ pets. This is the mark of a true pet-care professional. Just remember, you are not qualified to “diagnose” or treat diseases. You are most valuable in assessing a baseline of health for the pet and then being able to detect when something is not right with that pet. My suggestion is to take any pet health classes you can find at your local community college. Ask your vet for information on pet diseases or if she knows any alternative pet-care practitioners. PSI's Accreditation Program (Log in to Web site and visit the Education Center for program details) also covers pet health and nutrition and is specifically written for professional pet sitters. And don't forget the Internet! One of the most important skills a pet-care professional can obtain is knowing how to perform the Snout-To-Tail Assessment. This means to go literally from snout to tail with deliberate intent and purpose looking for any injuries. If you are checking wellness, create a baseline of that pet’s current health.
You can go to: www.DoggieDoggieAreYouOK.com to get a free Snout-To-Tail Worksheet. Send the link to all your pet-loving friends! This worksheet is free to pet owners and all pet-care professionals to copy and use on every client visit. Just keep our company info on it. Pet Tech’s Snout-To-Tail Assessment for injury and illness is best learned in our PetSaver™ training. Pet Tech’s Snout-To-Tail Assessment for wellness is graphically covered with step-by-step directions in the latest edition of “Knowing Your Pet’s Health: A Guide For Optimal Wellness From Snout-To-Tail” available November 2007. Bulk and pre-order discounts are available.
