Polk Red Cross, SPCA team up to teach Pet First Aid and CPR

First-ever class at new SPCA Humane Education & Resource Building fills 28 seats in a week

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Fox 13 Tampa Bay: CPR class is for the dogs, literally.

OrlandoSentinel: Learn first aid for pets at Red Cross event

 

LAKELAND, FL March 31, 2009 – Pets are part of more than 69 million households, making them more than just pets – they’re family.

 

Just like any other member of the family, they need care and occasional medical attention. Your American Red Cross and your SPCA in Lakeland want to make sure that human family members provide these furry loved ones with immediate medical attention for injury or illness, include them in disaster plans; and overall, keep them safe before, during, and after emergencies.

 

This Saturday, April 4, 2009, SPCA in Lakeland will partner with the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter to offer Pet First Aid – a hands-on training in simple emergency care procedures for cats and dogs – at the SPCA Human Education and Resource Building at their adoption center, 5850 Brannen Road in south Lakeland.

 

“This will be the first time that the SPCA will be able to use our Education and Training Room which was made possible by Publix Super Markets Charities,” said Public Relations Director Rachel Bulman. “We are hoping that this Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR class is the first of many providing the public with tools to be responsible pet owners, just one part of our mission at the SPCA.”

 

Bulman also thanks Crispers at Lakeside Village for donating lunch for this class.

 

This course is another lifesaving resource that supports the Red Cross mission of keeping residents of Polk County and their families healthy and safe, and pets are often vital members of families. Step-by-step directions help with basic pet owner responsibilities, from giving medication, to administering cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, to preparing for disasters.

 

The $40 course fee is a small price to pay to learn critical life-saving guidance and techniques for use in emergency situations until veterinary care is available. Pets are an important part of many peoples’ lives, so your local American Red Cross wants to help ensure their well-being by teaching practical skills and techniques. Invest in your pet’s welfare.

 

For more information about Pet First Aid and CPR, please contact your local American Red Cross at (863) 294-5941 or the SPCA in Lakeland at (863) 646-7722.

 

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to the victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Polk County Chapter serves Highlands and Polk counties. The chapters’ employees and volunteers provide disaster assistance to an average of two families every three days. Each day, the chapter serves as a vital communication link between members of the armed forces and their families in our community. Lifesaving classes such as First Aid/CPR, Automated External Defibrillator Training, Water Safety and HIV/AIDS are available throughout the service area on a regular basis. To learn more about becoming a volunteer or to make a contribution, please contact the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter at http://polkcountyfl.redcross.org.