Pet First Aid & CPR Class
A hands-on class that gives pet parents and pet pros the confidence to act in an emergency, before veterinary care is reached.
Only 1 in 10 pet owners will never face one, and studies show 25% more pets could survive if just one first-aid step is taken before reaching the vet 🏥.
🐾 2026 Class Dates
- Sat, Sep 5
- Sat, Sep 26
- Sat, Oct 24
- Sat, Nov 14
- Sat, Dec 5
Need to split it up? Pay over time with Klarna or Affirm.
Shoreline Happy Paws LLC
33 Main Street, Ste 8, Old Saybrook, CT
In the Old Buckingham Place building (our office is right out front)
(Left of William Raveis, right of Middlesex Cardiology)
Give the Gift of Pet SafetyA gift card makes a thoughtful present for the pet lover in your life. They pick the class date that works for them.
Gift a SeatWhat You'll Learn
By the end of class you'll be able to recognize an emergency, stabilize your dog or cat, and buy precious time on the way to the vet. These are hands-on skills every pet parent and pet pro should have, taught over one focused day.
Assess
- Recognize a true pet emergency
- Check vitals: pulse, breathing, temperature & capillary refill
- Perform a head-to-tail exam
Handle & Move
- Safe approach, muzzling & restraint
- Safely lift & transport an injured pet
- Build & use a Pet First Aid Kit
Treat & Stabilize
- Control bleeding, bandaging & wound care
- Splinting for fractures & falls
- Burns, bites, stings & wildlife encounters
Emergencies & Illness
- Heat stroke, hypothermia & drowning
- Poisoning, seizures, shock & bloat
- Blood sugar, intestinal & urinary issues
Choking & CPCR
- Choking: abdominal & chest thrusts plus the XXT®
- Rescue breathing & pet oxygen masks
- Chest compressions & full CPCR
Prevent & Prepare
- Pet-proof your home to prevent emergencies
- Disaster preparedness planning
- Weekly wellness checks for early detection
Who This Class Is For
No medical background needed. If you love or work with animals, this class is for you. We welcome pet parents and pet pros from across the CT Shoreline, including Old Saybrook, Essex, Old Lyme, Madison, Guilford, Clinton, and Westbrook.
- 🐾Pet parents who want the confidence to act fast for their own dog or cat
- 🐾New puppy and kitten families building good habits from day one
- 🐾Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters caring for other people's pets
- 🐾Groomers and doggy daycare teams
- 🐾Boarding staff, shelter and rescue volunteers
- 🐾Veterinary assistants and anyone starting a career with animals
Adriana Valle
Adriana is the owner, founder, and Chief Pet-Loving Officer of Shoreline Happy Paws. A professional pet care provider for over 15 years, she got her start dog walking in 110-degree heat in Qatar, where she built the country's first full-time pet sitting service. She is fully insured and bonded and a Certified Pet First Aid & CPR Instructor. Starting September 5, 2026, she is teaching the new Pet Safety Crusader™ curriculum. Adriana is also pursuing a dog behavior certificate from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and is a longtime member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International. Since 2023 she has attended more than six professional pet-care industry conferences, always learning new ways to help the pet parents we serve and to better train our team.
Backed by the Best in the Field
The Pet Safety Crusader™ curriculum was created by Denise Fleck, the pet first aid & CPCR education and training partner of Pet Sitters International, the world's largest educational association for professional pet sitters. Denise has personally taught animal life-saving skills to over 33,000 people, authored a dozen books, earned multiple writing awards from the Dog Writers and Cat Writers Associations, and appeared on CBS-TV's The Doctors and Animal Planet.
"Knowing how to stop bleeding, cool a pet, or clear an airway can mean the difference between life and death." (Denise Fleck)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the class and what are the hours?
It runs 5 hours, from 9 AM to 2 PM, and is fully hands-on. Water and bathroom access are available throughout.
Do I get a certification?
Yes. You receive a Certificate of Completion plus an 80-page Pet First Aid & CPR quick-reference book. The class is taught using the Pet Safety Crusader curriculum created by Denise Fleck, the education partner of Pet Sitters International.
How much does it cost and how many seats are there?
It is $125 per seat, and each class is limited to 12 people so everyone gets real hands-on practice. Need to split the cost? You can pay over time with Klarna or Affirm. All sales are final once your seat is reserved.
Where is the class held?
In person at our office classroom at 33 Main Street, Suite 8, Old Saybrook, CT, easy to reach from Essex, Old Lyme, Madison, Guilford, Clinton, and across the CT Shoreline.
Do I need to bring my dog?
No. We practice on specialized manikins so every skill can be learned safely and thoroughly. Please leave your own pets at home.
What will I learn?
How to assess a pet in distress, safely handle and move an injured animal, respond to choking, perform CPR and CPCR, control bleeding and treat wounds, recognize common emergencies and illness, and prevent problems before they start. More than 30 life-saving skills in one focused day.
Is the class for dogs and cats, or just dogs?
Both. The skills you learn apply to dogs and cats, and we cover the differences between them throughout the class.
Is there an age requirement? Can kids attend?
The class is designed for adults. If you would like to bring a mature teen who is genuinely interested, reach out first and we will let you know if there is space and what to expect.
How long is my certification good for?
Your Certificate of Completion does not expire, but pet first aid and CPR guidance evolves and hands-on skills fade over time. We recommend refreshing every two years to stay confident and current.
Is parking available?
Yes. There is parking at our office in the Old Buckingham Place building at 33 Main Street, Old Saybrook, with easy access right out front.
Do you offer private or group classes?
Interested in a private class for your team, daycare, boarding facility, or rescue group? Call or email us and we will help arrange one: info@cthappypaws.com or 860-964-0464.
Reserve Your Seat 🐾
Pick a date below and secure your spot with payment. Just $125 per seat, and classes are limited to 12. Need to split it up? Pay over time with Klarna or Affirm.
⚠️ All sales are final. No refunds, transfers, or credits once paid. Your payment reserves a limited seat.
Can't make these dates?
Join our list and we'll let you know the moment new classes open up.
Shoreline Happy Paws · Be the one who makes a difference.