Pet First Aid and CPR Level 3

Overview

The Pet First Aid and CPR Level 3 course is a CPD-accredited, fully online programme designed to help pet owners and animal care professionals respond confidently during emergencies. It provides practical knowledge of first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, injury management and the safe handling of animals requiring urgent assistance.

Throughout the course, you will learn how to assess an emergency, recognise signs of distress and provide appropriate first aid while arranging professional veterinary treatment. Topics include CPR, choking, bleeding, wounds, fractures, poisoning, seizures, allergic reactions, heatstroke and hypothermia.

This course is suitable for people caring for pets in domestic or professional environments. It develops valuable emergency-response awareness but does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified veterinary professional.

Key highlights:

Understand the essential principles of pet first aid and emergency care
Learn how to perform basic CPR and respond to breathing emergencies
Recognise common injuries, illnesses and signs of animal distress
Respond appropriately to choking, poisoning, bleeding and shock
Develop safe handling and transportation techniques for injured pets
Study online at your own pace with 12 months’ course access
Complete an online assessment with instant feedback and free retakes

Accreditation & Recognition

The Pet First Aid and CPR Level 3 course is CPD-accredited, providing evidence of structured continuing professional development. It can support the knowledge of pet owners, animal carers and people working in pet-related roles.

The Level 3 designation describes the course’s learning level. This is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification, veterinary degree, veterinary nursing qualification, RCVS registration or licence to provide veterinary treatment.

CPD-accredited online training with 12 months’ access
Suitable for personal development and workplace CPD
Includes an online multiple-choice assessment
Optional reflective portfolio to reinforce practical understanding
CPD-accredited digital certificate available after successful completion
Optional printed certificate available for £24.99

Assessment & Certification

Your understanding of Pet First Aid and CPR Level 3 is assessed through an online multiple-choice examination. A pass mark of 60% is required, with instant results and free retakes available to help you strengthen your understanding before completing the course.

You may also complete an optional reflective portfolio to consider how the course principles could be applied in realistic pet-care situations. After passing the assessment, you can order a PDF version of your CPD-accredited certificate. A printed certificate is also available for £24.99.

Because this is an online knowledge-based course, certification does not independently demonstrate hands-on CPR competence. Learners responsible for animals in professional settings should also consider supervised practical training and follow their workplace procedures.

Who Is This Course For?

Pet owners wanting to prepare for common animal emergencies
Animal care workers, kennel assistants and cattery staff
Dog walkers, pet sitters and home boarding providers
Dog groomers and other pet-service professionals
Animal rescue, shelter and welfare volunteers
Veterinary support staff seeking supplementary first-aid knowledge
Anyone considering a career involving animal care or welfare

Career Opportunities & Progression

Pet first-aid knowledge can complement a range of animal-care careers. The course alone does not guarantee employment or qualify you for regulated veterinary work, and some roles require additional training, experience or professional registration.

Animal Care Worker (£21,000 – £24,000)
Kennel or Cattery Worker (£19,000 – £23,000)
Dog Groomer (£15,000 – £23,000)
Dog Handler (£23,000 – £34,000)
Animal Technician (£21,000 – £30,000)
Veterinary Nurse (£24,000 – £32,000; further approved training is required)

Salary figures are approximate UK ranges and may vary according to location, experience, employer and additional qualifications.

Key Skills You’ll Gain

Emergency scene assessment and safe handling of injured pets
Recognition of breathing difficulties and cardiac emergencies
Awareness of basic pet CPR and choking-response procedures
Management of bleeding, wounds, shock and minor injuries
Safe responses to fractures, sprains and possible spinal injuries
Recognition of poisoning, heatstroke and hypothermia
Appropriate responses to seizures and allergic reactions
Preparation and maintenance of a pet first-aid kit
Clear communication with pet owners and veterinary professionals
Safe transportation and effective emergency handover

Why Study with Royal Open College

Royal Open College provides flexible, CPD-accredited online training designed to help learners develop practical knowledge and professional confidence. The Pet First Aid and CPR Level 3 course enables you to study essential emergency-care principles around your existing personal or professional commitments.

100% online and self-paced learning
12 months’ access from enrolment
Clear, accessible learning materials for beginners and professionals
Practical scenarios based on common pet emergencies
Online assessment with instant results and free retakes
UK-based learner support throughout your studies
Affordable and transparent course pricing

Enrol today to build your knowledge of pet first aid and CPR, improve your emergency-response confidence and become better prepared to support an animal until professional veterinary assistance is available.