April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and the American Red Cross is encouraging pet owners across South Florida to be prepared for emergencies involving their furry family members.

From choking hazards to heat-related illnesses, unexpected situations can happen anytime. The Red Cross offers simple, lifesaving steps pet owners can take to respond quickly and confidently—along with tools and training designed specifically for pets.

Through the Red Cross Pet First Aid app (American Red Cross Pet First Aid App), users can access step-by-step instructions, videos, and interactive quizzes covering common pet emergencies for dogs and cats. The app is free and available to download, making it easy for pet owners to have critical information at their fingertips.

In addition, the Red Cross provides Pet First Aid courses, helping individuals learn how to care for pets during emergencies, recognize warning signs, and take preventative measures.

These segments are timely as South Florida heads into warmer months, when risks like heatstroke and outdoor injuries increase for pets.

The Pet First Aid App can be found at www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html.  Scroll down to "Everyday Apps" and click on the "Pet First Aid App", or look for it in the Google Play or Apple Stores, or text "GETPET" to 90999.