Learning Outcome
By the end of this module, team members should understand the correct order of action during an emergency and know which warning signs should be treated as urgent.
Training Information
In any emergency, the first priority is safety.
Team members must not rush into danger or put themselves, the pet, the public or other animals at unnecessary risk.
The emergency priority order is:
- Staff safety
- Pet safety
- Public safety
- Veterinary advice
- Pad & Co manager contact
- Client contact
- Incident reporting
Before approaching an injured or distressed pet, check the area for:
- Traffic
- Other dogs or animals
- Bite risk
- Escape risk
- Heat or weather risk
- Chemicals or toxins
- Broken glass or sharp objects
- Members of the public
An injured, frightened or unwell dog may behave differently from normal. Even a friendly dog may growl, snap, panic or try to run away.
Urgent Warning Signs
The following should be treated as urgent:
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse
- Heavy bleeding
- Suspected poisoning
- Heatstroke signs
- Seizure
- Road traffic accident
- Severe pain
- Bloated or swollen abdomen
- Repeated vomiting
- Inability to stand
- Pale, blue or abnormal gums
- Deep wound
- Suspected broken bone
Pad & Co Guidance
- Stop the activity.
- Check the environment is safe.
- Keep yourself safe.
- Keep the pet safe where possible.
- Contact veterinary help if urgent or uncertain.
- Contact Pad & Co management.
- Contact the client according to procedure.
- Complete the incident form.
Key Points
- Safety comes first.
- Do not rush into danger.
- Injured animals may behave differently from normal.
- Serious warning signs should be escalated quickly.
- Do not continue a booking as normal after a serious concern.
