Dog First Aid Training
Would you know what to do?
Emergency First Aid for Dogs
Learn the basics of First Aid for Dogs and prepare yourself for the most common types of dog emergencies. This course is open to anyone but is particularly useful to those who work closely with animals such as vet staff, doggy day care staff, groomers, and dog walkers.
Modules included:
- Choking – one of the most common accidents, immediate action can save a dog’s life
- Emergency breathing and CPR
Conducting a weekly health check – important to catch early warning signs - Bleeding and bandaging – learn how to manage both minor and severe wounds
Emergency response – including checking vital signs and recovery position - Shock – recognising and treating this life-threatening condition
- Safe restraints – important for the safe treatment of a stressed dog
3.5 Hour Course | £55 | Delivered in conjunction with Tillycroy Support Services and regulated by SQA Accreditation.
Book your spot here.
Buy a gift voucher here.
Book a refresher course here.
First Aid for Dogs
Delve a little deeper into your learning with our longer and more intensive First Aid for Dogs Course. As well as covering accidents and emergencies, this course teaches how to recognise life-threatening environmental and medical conditions. This is ideal for self-employed dog-walkers, those looking to start a career in an animal-related industry, or responsible dog owners.
Modules included:
Everything covered by the Emergency First Aid for Dogs course PLUS
- Blood loss scenarios – including stick injuries, fractures and dog bites
- How to carry an injured dog to prevent further damage
- Environmental concerns – including heatstroke and poisoning, one of the most common causes of illness in dogs
- Medical conditions – including seizures and bloat which are common and life-threatening issues
- Diet and nutrition – feeding your dog the wrong diet can lead to life-long health issues.
7 Hour Course | £99 | Delivered in conjunction with Tillycroy Support Services and regulated by SQA Accreditation.
Book your spot here.
Buy a gift voucher here.
Book a refresher course here.
Dog First Aid Christmas Voucher
For the dog lover in your life - give the gift of Dog First Aid this Christmas!
Meet the Trainers
Carla Harris-Tait
Carla has worked with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home since 2019 when she first joined the team as a Kennel Assistant. She is now a full-time Education Officer and has led our First Aid for Dogs course since they launched in February 2022.
Carla has more than a decade’s experience working with dogs including in kennels, veterinary practices, pet shops, dog sitting and dog walking.
She has an HNC in Animal Care, a Train the Trainer Qualification and runs our Dog Body Language courses alongside First Aid for Dogs.
Rachael Halliday
Rachael has worked with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home since 2020 as a Kennel Assistant. She tells us, ‘working with the dogs every day has been so rewarding and getting to see them go away to their forever homes is something I’m so proud of.’
Rachael has an HND in Animal Care, a Train the Trainer Qualification and has experience working with all kinds of animals including fish, chickens, dogs and even monkeys. She has taught the courses for First Aid for Dogs with Carla since early 2023.
Nicole Wallace
Nicole only started at the home in March 2025, but has over 20 years of experience working with animals. As well as an ITC First Trainer qualification, she has a Degree in Animal Biology and has worked in wide variety of sectors including veterinary, rescue homes, stables, polo yards, summer camp ranches, as an RSPCA rescue officer (also on the rope rescue team) and running her own pet care and dog training businesses. She delivers our courses alongside Rachael, whilst covering Carla's maternity leave.
Book a course today
Book NowFirst Aid for Dogs Refresher Course
Anyone with a valid, up-to-date First Aid for Dogs or Emergency First Aid for Dogs certificate can sign up for a refresher session to strengthen their knowledge and practice the vital skills learned.
Book NowJessica Watson
'Great course! I feel confident to take care of my dog better, and to assist a dog in an emergency before we get to the vet. A lot of really good information, and really well taught. Highly recommend!'
Kenny Nairn
'I'd recommend this course for anyone who is looking to improve their knowledge and understanding should they ever have to administer first aid to any dog in their care. All of the content was relevant to my needs as a dog walker. The setting and props were great and the input was delivered at just the right pace. A thoroughly enjoyable day 🙂'
Ann Stewart
'I can highly recommend this course for dog owners, walkers or anyone working with dogs. This practical, fun and friendly first aid day has given me emergency first aid information and well being and health checks for my own dog.
I also liked the handout which gives all the course info. Thanks Carla.'
First Aid for Dogs Training
Learn life-saving expertise and support the animals in our care.
Book NowThis is a first aid course to help owners and dog professionals better manage situations and understand warning signs, this is in no way a substitute for veterinary care. Delivered in conjunction with Tillycroy Support Services and regulated by SQA Accreditation.
Dog Body Language
Our Dog Body Language course will help you better understand what your dog is trying to say.
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First Aid for Dogs Training saves the day
Zoe, a member of our Animal Welfare Team, recently had to put her dog first aid training skills to the test when her dog, Pepper, had a medical emergency.
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Dog Park Hire
Check out our safe, secure and spacious dog park in Edinburgh for all the off-lead fun. Available to hire from £6!
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