Trainer backs Safe Pets and People campaign
The founder of Smartstart Dog Training, Rebecca Walters, is supporting the national Safe Pets and People campaign.
The campaign, which is calling for mandatory first aid qualifications for all UK pet professionals, is supported by the RSPCA and national qualification provider the iPET Network.
Walters said: “I have 14 active spaniels and gun dogs on site, so a week doesn’t go by without some little scrape, to not have my first aid training doesn’t bear thinking about.
“It is a matter of trust too for pet professionals. if you are paying someone to look after your dog you expect them to be competent and give them proper care.”
The campaign is also supported by an online petition, which has been signed by more than 600 people. “I hope that people sign the petition and spread the word because this is a very important issue,” Walters added.
RSPCA head vet, Jocelyn Toner, said: “We advise that all professional dog walkers should have first aid training and we’d be supportive of any campaign to roll this out to include all individuals who work within the pet industry.
“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.”
