BOWLING GREEN, Ky.  — Happy Tails Pet CPR and First Aid have been saving the lives of dogs and cats since 2018. They offer monthly CPR and first aid training, for everyone from pet owners to first responders, who can earn their pet CPR certification.

Originally a respiratory therapist, Jan Dillon, began teaching these courses as a way to help other pet parents respond in an emergency. Surrounded by pets her entire life, she knows the importance of knowing how to care for pets that are in trouble.

“It’s important for pet parents to know how to save their pets. There is no ambulance or EMS that comes whenever you need help with your pet and you’re it so you are the first responder “says Dillon.

CPR for pets is much different than for humans for various reasons ranging from anatomy to proper placement for care. First responders receive multiple calls about unresponsive pets. Jason Brent, not only owns two dogs but is also the K-9 deputy for the Logan County Sheriff’s Department and says it’s important for all first responders to be able to help those in the community in any way possible.

“We are exposed to all kinds of things that it would be good for me to know if I’d been to the class so I thought it’d be a good day to take the class and learn some, a few things, because not only is it good for my dog but for dealing with dogs in the county, because we take up a lot of animal complaint calls.” says Brent.

Some pet owners take the course because of personal scares. On Thanksgiving Day, Yorkie owner, Kayla Brooks, got a call that she would remember forever. Her mother was giving her dog Nala a treat when she called Brooks saying the dog choked and was unresponsive. After rushing home to help and assess the situation, she called 9-1—1 to receive guidance on what to do. Brooks was able to clear the dog's throat so Nala could breathe again. Brooks took her to the veterinarian to make sure there was no brain damage. Luckily, passing all tests, Nala was back to herself. Brooks immediately signed up for the pet CPR and first aid training, wanting to be prepared and confident in another emergency. “Most pet parents like myself don’t ever think they’d be in that situation until you’re in that situation and then you find out that you’re completely vulnerable because you don’t know what to do,” says Brooks.

Happy Tails Pet CPR and Training hosts classes once a month. For more information on classes and training click here.