Higher Certificate in Canine First Aid

Would you know how to save your dog's life in an emergency? This easy-to-follow course provides teaches you basic first aid treatments, how to commence CPR and so much more.

Written by: Caroline ClarkQualified Registered Veterinary Nurse, RVN Clinical Coach, Clinical Animal Behaviourist, Qualified Teacher & Published Writer

This veterinary approved and externally accredited online course is written and designed by a qualified registered veterinary nurse and clinicial animal behaviourist. It has been designed for pet professionals, fulfilling Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. However, it is suitable for pet owners too.

The course is made up of multiple learning processes, such as written content, video demonstrations, downloadable resources and suggested tasks. There are no exams, but to obtain your certificate you must answer some multiple choice questions. Like human first aid, it is recommended that you refresh your skills every three years.

Course aims:

  • Gain the skills to identify and effectively respond to various first aid scenarios that may arise.
  • Acquire the knowledge necessary to conduct a safe assessment of the dog’s condition.
  • Learn the proper techniques for administering basic first aid treatments and providing immediate care while awaiting veterinary assistance.
  • Explore fundamental principles of first aid, emphasising safe handling practices and updated CPR protocols, along with additional essential skills.
  • See full course curriculum below.

Course features:

  • Written with the benefit of practical veterinary experience.
  • Information and content based on the latest veterinary standards.
  • Life saving techniques based on internationally recognised authority in veterinary CPR.
  • Our bite-sized lessons let you learn comfortably at your own pace
  • Video demonstrations included.
  • Enjoy lifetime access to the course, allowing you to revisit and refresh your knowledge whenever needed.
  • Tutor and technical support available.
  • Accredited CPD certificate of completion.
  • CPD reflection and transcript for professional portfolio and CPD log.
  • Unique ‘Accredited First Aider’ membership badge for display on your website or social media profiles.
  • Quick reference E-Book.

Accredited by CPD Standards

Unique Verifiable Certificate

10% Loyal Student Discount on further courses

Discount added in the basket when you are signed into your account. Excludes enrolment codes.

Suitable for:

  • Dog owners
  • Dog walkers
  • Dog groomers
  • Dog carers / sitters
  • Dog trainers
  • Dog kennels / hotels
  • Animal behaviourists
  • Pet professionals

The course recognises that the veterinary surgeons act 1966 restricts the diagnosis and treatment of an animal by another person other than a qualified and registered veterinary surgeon. However any lay person can carry out first aid in an emergency situation.

This course is NOT designed to replace veterinary treatment and attention. For all first aid cases, a veterinary surgeon should be contacted as soon as possible.

Course content

NEW
Indicates a new lesson was added in the past 3 months
UPDATED
Indicates a lesson was updated in the past 3 months

About your tutor

Caroline Clark

Caroline has a long and varied career working with companion animals. After many years working as a veterinary nurse she attended teacher training college and pursued a career in education - teaching veterinary nursing and other animal related subjects. Caroline's interest in behaviour led her to Southampton University where she gained a post graduate diploma in companion animal behaviour counselling and, after qualifying in 2006, she opened her own behaviour referral clinic in Yorkshire . She is a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) and is one of only a relatively small number of specialists to have achieved the status of Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) with the Animal Behaviour Training Council. (ABTC). Caroline is the author of two books: Fear and Anxiety in Dogs, published by Crowood Press and A Professional's Guide to Feline Behaviour, published by CRC Press. Caroline has also written several articles for veterinary journals, is a public speaker and has appeared as the animal specialist on the 20 part, Channel Four TV series, ‘Embarrassing Pets’ which is still aired worldwide.

15 Courses

Not Enrolled
£60
Buy as a student Use this option if you are paying for this course for yourself, personally or as a business.

— OR —

Use this option if you are paying on behalf of someone else or on a business card you don't own. Bulk discounts apply.

Course includes

  • 8 Modules
  • Video Demonstrations
  • Downloadable Resources
  • No Exams!
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Lifetime Access
  • Help and Support

Pay securely with these payment methods:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Maestro
  • American Express
  • PayPal
  • PayPal Credit
  • PayPal

Please note that financing options through PayPal Credit and Klarna are subject to eligibility criteria, including credit approval and account status.

  • Buy for staff or in bulk

    • Enrolment codes supplied by email.
    • Includes instructions on how to redeem
    • Students register & enrol separately.
    • Receipt provided for your business.
    Quantity

    1

    2-5

    6-10

    11-25

    26-50

    51-100

    Discount

    0%

    0%

    10%

    20%

    30%

    40%

    Change quantity to view bulk price

    Regular Price: £60.00

    Current Price: £60.00

  • Share this course

5 103 Reviews

Reviews

by Helen Gunning 10/04/2025

I was able to dip into this course as and when time permitted. Easy format and well designed course. Content very pertinent to someone looking after dogs. I will be able to refresh my learning by going back into the course which I will find useful.

by Tracy Gibbons 23/03/2025

The course was very good, informative and thorough in what was covered.
The bite size sections make it easier to fit into daily life.
Yes I would recommend it.

by Amy Cross 21/03/2025

The content was easy to follow. I feel confident caring for my own pets and others in an emergency situation

by Susannah Harris 11/03/2025

Good modules, great content.

by Allison Potts 11/03/2025

I liked that there were different sections to work through and questions at the end of each section. I understood the content well and learnt some new definitions too. All of the information was helpful and the videos were very clear to observe the procedures. I hope I don’t need to use any of these techniques but it is very likely that I may do as I take in dogs for holidays of all shapes and sizes. I would definitely recommend this course to others, even just dog owners.

by Paul Anderson 04/03/2025

I recently completed this first aid course, and I must say it was an excellent experience. Having taken professional first aid courses regularly in the past, I can confidently say that this course was just as good in quality and depth.

The combination of written materials and video learning was especially effective in keeping the content engaging and accessible. I’ve definitely gained new knowledge and skills, even as someone with prior experience. The course was well-structured, and the balance between theoretical and practical learning made it both informative and enjoyable.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in first aid—whether they’re complete beginners or have some prior training. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and confidence in handling first aid situations.

by susan spivey 03/03/2025

A very interesting course. Very straightforward. It was easy to study at my own pace. I was able to pause and come back when I was ready

by Estefania Villar Iriberri 20/02/2025

I did in the past first aid courses (for humans though) but basically, I expected this one to be like the kind of courses I did before but for dogs/pets…all what I can say is that they went the extra mile and beyond! I absolutely loved it but not just that, it is so well explained and so complete that actually keeps you interested and focused through the whole process. I have had dogs my whole life and I do work with dogs as well, I never thought I would learn so much from this course. I literally feel like I could try my best to save a life if there was the case where I had to do it (I hope not!), but what I mean with this is that the confidence this course gives you is really high. Not just that, it is full of explanations, videos, PDF files, photos..you guys really did here a great thing! In short, doesnt matter how much experience do you have with dogs, this course should be a must. Thank you!

by Gillian Broughton 20/02/2025

Found this course to be very informative. Dealing with all aspects of medical situations, from the general, everyday minor injuries and possible situations e.g stings, diarrhoea, vomiting that we all know happen at some point, to the emergency situations and I now feel confident that I could handle them should they occur. I found the videos to be very informative and clear.

by Gina Eagle 04/02/2025

A great course for Professionals and Guardians a like. I am currently setting up a dog training school and this course has helped build my confidence and taught me skills needed if an incident were to arise.

by Gayle Seekins 19/01/2025

This course is well set out and includes videos to demonstrate some of methods which worked well. The tasks suggesting further study were useful and built on what the course covered.
There was sufficient information to identify injuries and other medical emergencies and know what to do until getting veterinarian attention.
The course has lifetime access and is updated when anything changes in terms of first aid application which is very useful.

by Layla dawson 16/01/2025

I have done this course three years ago and took advantage of the discounted price. It was good to refresh my knowledge. 3 months ago my dog was poisoned by something the neighbour had thrown over our fence, he’s a very tiny chihuahua. I recognised the signs (lathargy, vomiting and shaking and increased salivation. I called my vet and told them I suspected peanut had ingested something he shouldn’t. I took him to the vet immediately and because of my fast action I have a happy and healthy little dog. It is thanks to this course that he was treated quickly and made a full recovery. This course saves lives and as a responsible dog owner you can’t put a price on that. Peanut is very thankful to you Caroline!

by Ami Hellings 06/01/2025

This course covers all the basics and then some with regards to canine first aid. I highly recommend it to anyone who is venturing into the canine industry or is thinking of getting a pet.

by William Hankey 13/11/2024

Clear and concise information without missing any details that is easy to understand. Along with videos that are easy to follow and explain what is happening making them easy to understand.