A campaign calling for mandatory first aid qualifications for all UK pet professionals has gone up a level with the launch of an online petition.
The Safe Pets and People campaign aims to highlight that currently dog walkers, dog groomers and pet sitters do not have to hold a first aid qualification. It is urging the government to make such training mandatory.
The body has now set up a petition on the Change.org website to encourage members of the public to make their voices heard on the issue.
Endorsed by the RSPCA, The Groomers Spotlight and Street Paws, the campaign is led by national qualification provider the iPET Network.
RSPCA head vet Jocelyn Toner said: “Simple first aid skills could save a pet’s life or ensure an animal receives immediate care before they’re able to see a vet and we think it’s a wonderful idea that the Safe Pets and People Campaign wants all pet professionals – from groomers to breeders – to have basic first aid training.”
Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty of iPET Network, said: “First aid is not an expensive course, and it doesn’t have to be an iPET Network course that you do, we are not saying that and this isn’t about selling our courses or making money.
“We are doing this because time and again we hear stories from our industry where something should have been done sooner, which really isn’t good enough when people place their pets in your care.”
The petition is available at: https://www.change.org/p/uk-parliament-mandatory-first-aid-qualifications-for-all-uk-pet-professionals
