PugBoat
Dog Walking, Pet Sitting,
Pet First Aid Classes- Kjipuktuk/Halifax
WalksNWags Pet First Aid
About WalksNWags
​
Founded in 2000 by Lisa Wagner, WalksNWags is a comprehensive Pet First Aid program that gives pet owners and pet care providers the knowledge and skills required to prevent and react to emergency situations. The course was originally developed by Nurse Ethne Dickinson of Oakland Educational Services Ltd. and her team of Veterinary professionals in 1993, and is delivered today by certified instructors across the country.
​
Pet care professionals may receive the following benefits of certification:
​
-
8.5 continuing education credits for IAABC members
-
Pet Care professionals are eligible for a discount on insurance premiums with ProFur Insurance
-
5 CEUs for active members of Pet Sitters International (PSI)
-
10 CEUs for members of International Association of Canine Professionals
​
Our course focuses on the biology of (and methods suited to) canine and feline pets but many of the learning outcomes and skills acquired are applicable to other kinds of pets. Reach out if you have any questions.
​
Your Instructor: Becky Parker
​
​
"Hi! I'm Becky. I'm a biologist turned professional dogwalker and, since 2021, a certified WalksNWags Pet First Aid Instructor. I have a Texan rescue mutt, Lukey, who I love to death and who joins me on most adventures now that he's recovered from heartworm treatment. I was a WalksNWags student a few times before becoming an instructor, starting in Toronto when I walked for another business. When I moved back to Nova Scotia I was surprised to find there were few options for Pet First Aid training, even in Halifax. So, I set out to get certified and share this vital knowledge and skillset with other pet owners! I'm really interested in disease ecology and am particularly passionate about preventable illness awareness, so I love talking about things like Lyme, Heartworm, and other icky critters! I hope in time, as pet ownership in Nova Scotia grows, so too will the First Aid skills pet owners need to keep their furry, feathered, and scaley loved ones safe."
Our course offering, the basic WalksNWags Pet First Aid, covers the following important topics:
Prevention and the Emergency Action Approach
-
Immediate steps to take in an emergency
-
What to include in your Pet First Aid kit
-
How to safely approach an injured animal
-
Administration of medications
- Preventative Care
How to Assess Emergency Situations and Implement First Aid
-
How to complete a head to toe assessment
-
How to restrain an injured animal
-
How to transport an injured animal
-
Recognition of signs of common illness and injury
-
How to handle various bleeding wounds
Specific Techniques for Specific Situations
-
Bone injuries
-
Ear injuries
-
Eye injuries
-
Choking skills
-
Artificial Respiration
-
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
-
Poisoning
-
Frostbite and hypothermia
-
Heat stroke
-
Burns
Upcoming Classes
Our next class is Oct 5th 2024, 8am-6pm at Passage Paws in Eastern Passage! Register by filling out our form below and sending payment to pugboatpetcare@gmail.com How do courses typically work? Classes are flexible and designed with the venue and audience in mind. They are typically one or two days (9:00 am - 2:00 pm or 8:00am - 6:00pm respectively) for 10 total hours of in-class learning time. We also sometimes do several evenings for folks who have a hard time dedicating a whole day or weekend to a course. *Participants must attend the full 10 hours to receive their WalksNWags Pet First Aid certificate. What to bring? 1. Wear comfortable layers. We will have access to indoor shelter for the entirety of this course but you may want layers for the AC/heating. 2. Writing aids (paper, pen/pencil, etc... you will receive a first aid manual). 3. A water bottle and snacks as desired. Lunch and light refreshments will be provided. 4. Dogs are welcome but MUST be registered before the course date. We limit dog participation by number and individual personalities to ensure a safe and effective learning environment. Dogs must be relatively calm, quiet, sociable with dogs/people, not prone to fear or anxiety, and be willing to be handled by multiple people for demonstrations.  Please bring some of their food and favorite treats and something comfy to lie on. We reserve the right to send any dog home if they are disruptive or otherwise unsuitable for the dynamics of the class, which may result in their human missing class and losing their class fee. Wondering if your dog is a good fit for class? Feel free to set up a meet-and-greet with us and/or our venue in advance. We're sorry we can't accommodate cats in class, we just can't always trust our canine friends among the felines and most cats prefer to stay home anyway ;) Safety considerations? We want you to feel safe and welcome in class and expect you will extend the same courtesy to other classmates: 1. You will be provided with a personal stuffed animal and first aid supplies to utilize throughout the course, limiting the need to touch shared resources. 2. Hand sanitizer is readily available in class. Masks are not required but are encouraged. 3. If you are feeling unwell or if you have had a positive COVID-19 test, please do not come to class. If your instructor is feeling unwell, we will contact you to let you know whether the class is rescheduled, or whether another instructor will be teaching class. 4. Please read Walks 'N' Wags' public Health and Safety Policy here: http://walksnwags.com/covid-19-health-and-safety-policy Cancellations? We will refund course payment in full if a cancellation is made no later than one week prior to the course start date. Any cancellations after this point are subject to a $25 administration fee per participant. Cancellations made within 72 hours of the course start date will not be refunded or transferred. Exceptions may be made for cancellations due to COVID-19. Payment? Our 2024 course fee is $170 plus HST, with a 10% discount for pet owners/families registering together. Lunch is included in your course fee. Please use the registration form to indicate your lunch choice. Payment is due in full at the time of registration. If you have any trouble registering online or need another form of payment, just reach out: pugboatpetcare@gmail.com Example - 2024 rates: 1 person = $170+HST = $195.50 2 people registering together = $170 x 2 -10% + HST= $351.90 etc...