VOSD Workshop on Essential Veterinary Skills for Dog Rescuers
Learn life-saving canine first-aid and practical care in one
intensive day.
- Sunday, 30 November 2025
- 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (two 4-hour sessions + lunch break)
- A506–507, 5th Floor, Carlton Towers, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru 560008
Lead Trainer
Dr. A. Arthi, BVSc, MVSc, PhD
Veterinary epidemiologist and educator with extensive experience in trauma care and rescue-oriented protocols. Focus on case-based teaching and practical skills that work in the field.
Certificate:
VOSD Certificate of Participation
(not a certification-level course)
Who this is for
First-time and experienced dog rescuers, animal welfare volunteers, and foster caregivers.
Kennel/shelter teams, NGO field staff, and community feeders who encounter emergency situations.
What you’ll learn (outcomes)
By the end of the day you will be able to:
Assess a dog’s vital signs (TPR), recognize shock, heatstroke, poisoning, fractures
Perform canine first aid: bleeding control, wound cleaning, basic dressing & bandaging
Apply safe handling & transport for injured/stressed dogs (muzzle/towel restraint, stretcher)
Provide pre- and post-operative care: incision checks, medication schedules, E-collar usage
Implement preventive care basics: vaccination, deworming, tick/flea control, hygiene & nutrition
Communicate clear handover notes to veterinarians for better clinical outcomes
The day at a glance -
two 4-hour sessions
(9:30 AM – 1:30 PM):
Foundations & first response
- Canine health basics: vitals, normal vs. red flags
- Safe approach, restraint & fear/stress reduction
- Emergency triage: bleeding, breathing, consciousness, shock
- First-aid algorithms (ABC), CPR introduction, choking response
- Preventive care: vaccination/deworming schedules, hygiene, nutrition
Practical drills
- Taking vitals (TPR), gum colour/CRT
- Safe lifting & transport (blanket/board)
- Basic wound cleaning & pressure bandaging
- CPR demo & guided practice (dummy/video)
Session 1 benefits
• Confidence under pressure • Fewer errors in first contact • Faster, cleaner handovers to vets
(2:30 PM – 6:30 PM):
Advanced care & hands-on bandaging
- Wound management: irrigation, antiseptics, infection signs, dressing choice
- Bandaging techniques: paw, limb, tail, torso; tension checks; keeping bandages on
- Critical care: managing shock & heatstroke; when not to splint; transport priorities
- Pre-/post-op care: fasting, warmth, pain control, incision monitoring, E-collars, red-flags
- Shelter hygiene & nursing: isolation, disinfection, hydration & assisted feeding
Practical stations
- Advanced bandaging (paw/limb/torso) with instructor feedback
- Wound-care simulation (flush–dress–secure)
- Emergency team drill (RTA/heatstroke scenario)
- Post-op care simulation (incision check & dressing change)
Session 2 benefits
• Muscle-memory for field skills • Fewer complications • Better recovery timelines
What you take away
Certificate of Participation from VOSD
Quick-reference checklists (TPR, shock, first-aid steps, post-op red flags)
Skill confidence to stabilise and transport dogs safely and humanely
Network of fellow rescuers for ongoing peer support
Logistics & inclusions
English
Comfortable clothing; closed shoes
Notebook, water bottle; optional basic first-aid kit if you have one
Training aids, practice materials, refreshments, lunch
Seats are limited to ensure each participant has hands-on time.
Highlight from past workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a certification course?
No. You’ll receive a Certificate of Participation. For deeper, multi-stage learning, explore the VOSD Vet Technician Certification track.
Do I need prior experience?
No. The day is designed for a mix of beginners and experienced rescuers.
Will I practice skills?
Yes, extensive hands-on bandaging, wound care, transport, and CPR drills.
What about cats or other animals?
This workshop focuses on dogs. Multi-species modules may be offered separately.