How to Do Pet CPR

Knowing how to perform CPR on your pet can save their life in a cardiac or respiratory emergency. Pet CPR is different from human CPR — the technique varies by the size of the animal. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing CPR on dogs and cats.

Important Disclaimer

Pet CPR is an emergency measure to be used when a pet is unresponsive and not breathing. It is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always call your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately and continue CPR while transporting your pet. The best preparation is to take a hands-on pet first aid and CPR course from a certified instructor.

When to Perform Pet CPR

Perform CPR only when your pet is:

Unconscious and unresponsive — does not react to touch or voice
Not breathing — no chest movement, no breath felt from nose/mouth
No heartbeat — no pulse felt at the femoral artery (inner thigh)

Do not perform CPR on a conscious or breathing pet.

Step 1: Check for Responsiveness

Call your pet's name and tap their shoulder firmly.
If no response, check for breathing — watch for chest movement and feel for breath from the nose.
Check for a pulse — place two fingers on the inner thigh where the leg meets the body (femoral artery).
If no breathing and no pulse: begin CPR immediately and call for help.

Step 2: Open the Airway

Lay your pet on their right side on a firm, flat surface.
Gently extend the neck to open the airway — tilt the head back slightly.
Open the mouth and check for visible obstructions. Remove any visible foreign objects with your fingers — do not perform a blind finger sweep.
Pull the tongue forward to ensure the airway is clear.

Step 3: Rescue Breathing

Give 2 rescue breaths before beginning chest compressions:

For Dogs

Close your pet's mouth and hold it shut.
Place your mouth over your pet's nose (not mouth) and breathe in until you see the chest rise.
Give 2 breaths, each lasting 1 second.
Allow the chest to fall between breaths.

For Cats and Small Dogs (under 30 lbs)

Place your mouth over both the nose AND mouth of your pet.
Give 2 gentle breaths — use less air than for larger dogs.
Watch for chest rise — over-inflation can damage small lungs.

Step 4: Chest Compressions

For Large Dogs (over 30 lbs)

Place the heel of one hand on the widest part of the chest (over the heart, which is behind the left elbow).
Place your other hand on top.
Compress the chest 1–1.5 inches at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
Allow full chest recoil between compressions.

For Small Dogs and Cats (under 30 lbs)

Place one hand on each side of the chest (or use one hand with thumb on one side and fingers on the other).
Compress the chest 1–1.5 cm at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
Use significantly less force than for large dogs.

Step 5: CPR Cycle

Perform CPR in cycles of 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths:

30 chest compressions (at 100–120 per minute)
2 rescue breaths
Repeat the cycle
Check for pulse and breathing every 2 minutes
Continue until your pet breathes on their own, a heartbeat returns, or you reach veterinary care

While Performing CPR

Call your emergency veterinarian immediately — have someone else call while you perform CPR, or use speakerphone.
Keep your pet warm — cover with a blanket if available.
Transport to a veterinary clinic as quickly as possible while continuing CPR.

Have a Pet First Aid Kit Ready

👉 Recommended: EVERLIT Pet Medic First Aid Kit, 95 Pcs Vet-Approved — comprehensive kit including emergency supplies for home, car, and travel.

Emergency Contacts

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
Save your nearest emergency animal hospital number in your phone now.

Final Thoughts

Pet CPR is a skill that requires practice to perform effectively under pressure. Take a hands-on pet first aid and CPR course — many humane societies and veterinary clinics offer them. Knowing the technique before an emergency occurs is the difference between effective intervention and panic. Keep your emergency vet number saved and your first aid kit stocked.

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