Pet CPR Training Being Offered In Vernon

VERNON, CT — The Vernon Office of Emergency and Risk Management and the Vernon Community Emergency Response Team are teaming up with with the Friends of Saxony Dog Park to offer free pet CPR and first aid training to Vernon residents.

The training will be offered from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 27 in the Vernon Center Middle
School cafeteria. Space is limited and participants must sign up in advance.

The instructor is Tom Rinelli, owner of Paws-N-Claws-911, a firefighter and a 30-plus-year veteran of pre-hospital emergency medical services.

Participants should not bring their pets to the training.

No prior medical training is necessary. Veterinary offices typically maintain regular business hours and there are limited after hours emergency medical services for pets. Knowing how to administer emergency care to your pet is crucial.

“Since we built the Saxony Dog Park we have worked closely with the Friends of Saxony Dog Park to enhance the park and create opportunities to bring pet owners together," Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. "This CPR and first aid course is a great way to empower pet owners with important skills we hope they’ll never need."

The class is intended for anyone who wants to learn about caring for a pet in an emergency.

"Vernon provides outstanding emergency services that benefit our residents and neighboring communities," Town Administrator and Emergency and Risk Management Director Michael Purcaro said. "Adding a preparedness component for pet owners makes sense."

Vernon is a Heart Safe Community with a proud history of providing CPR training to its residents, Fire Chief Stephen Eppler said.

"This is another opportunity to provide potentially life-saving training," Eppler said. "We know that bystander CPR greatly enhances the chance for a positive outcome when treating people. Similar training for pet owners could be just as beneficial."

Learning how to administer CPR and first aid "to these treasured members of our families requires specific training," added Vernon Police Capt. Lucas Gallant, who oversees the town's animal control officers and facility.

He added, "Proper training results in better outcomes."

Diana Drummond, president of the Friends of Saxony Dog Park, said the decision by Champagne and the Vernon Town Council to establish the dog park has created a group of dog owners looking for ways to get involved and give back to the community.

"It's been a rewarding experience to partner with Town Administration and the Parks and Recreation Department to make a wonderful dog park even better,” she said. "We are grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with town leaders and for their commitment to providing this park and training."
To sign up for the pet CPR and first aid training, please see the attached flyer. Registration is on a first come,
first served basis. Participants will receive a handbook, certificate and emergency muzzle.