The pet first aid app has been developed to help owners provide emergency care until veterinary assistance is available.

Veterinary school and disaster support organisation behind new app

A first aid app designed specifically to offer pet owners live-saving information to help care for their animals in an emergency, has been launched by the  American Red Cross in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet).

The Pet First Aid app, available both for iPhone and Android smart phones, provides instant access to expert information from Penn Vet, so owners can learn how to maintain their pet’s health and what to do during emergencies until veterinary assistance is available.

“Pet owners learn how to recognise health problems and when to contact their veterinarian,” said American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania chief executive Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes.

“The App provides step-by-step instructions, videos and images for more than 25 common first aid and emergency situations including how to treat wounds, control bleeding, and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies.

"We are so proud that we have Penn Vet in our own backyard that can provide such valuable information nationwide.”

Additional topics include burns, car accidents, falls and what to do for cold- and heat-related emergencies.

Other features in the app allow pet owners to:
– Create a pet profile including tag identification number, photos, list of medications and instructions.
– Use the list of early warning signs to learn when to call their veterinarian.
– Use “click-to-call” to contact their veterinary practice.
–  Find emergency pet care facilities with the “animal hospital locator.”
–  Locate pet-friendly hotels.
–  Test their knowledge with interactive quizzes and earn badges that they can share on their social networks along with their favourite picture of their pet.

The Red Cross app also contains features to help owners include pets in their emergency action plans. Often people have not evacuated their home in an emergency as they did not want to leave their pets behind. 

Pet owners can also take a Red Cross Pet First Aid course so they can practice the skills and receive feedback. Click here for information and to register.
The Pet First Aid App can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps.