Animal first aid, CPR classes a healthy niche for pet sitter

Pet-sitter Amber Martin decided to widen her Reno-based business by teaching first-aid and CPR techniques for animals.

The move has paid off with 15 clients who've paid $85 each for four-hour sessions of training since it was launched late last year.

Martin, who owns Critter Sitters of Northern Nevada, in November began teaching CPR and first aid classes for those interested in knowing how to help their pets prior to rushing them to the veterinarian.

"We teach how to stabilize your animal before you can get them to the vet," Martin says. "The very first seconds after an accident are the most important. I can't guarantee lives will be saved, but they have more of a chance if (pet owners) know these skills."

In addition to techniques such as rescue breathing, choking, CPR, and a snout-to-tail wellness assessment, Martin also instructs pet owners how to prevent emergencies through increased awareness of dangers.

"Now that (your pets) are brought into the house because of the cold weather, there are poisons in house and different chemicals that people don't pay attention to," she says. "You almost have to animal-proof your house. With Valentine's Day there is chocolate everywhere, and it is very toxic to dogs and cats."

Martin's CPR classes are geared mainly for felines and canines, bovines and equines being rather difficult to administer mouth-to-mouth. Martin received training in pet safety through a three-day course from Carlsbad, Calif.-based Pet Tech.

"I knew there was a call for it so I decided to do it," she says. "I deal with animals in Critter Sitters, so it is a good skill to have."