Des Moines Pet Owners Learn Life-Saving CPR Techniques

Teddy's Ruff Riders hosts class on handling pet medical emergencies

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:27am

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A minimalist illustration in the style of Keith Haring, with a glowing neon outline of a dog performing chest compressions against a dark background, conveying the urgent and vital nature of pet CPR training.A pet CPR class in Des Moines teaches owners life-saving techniques to respond to animal medical emergencies.Des Moines Today

Pet owners in Des Moines attended a CPR and first aid class hosted by Teddy's Ruff Riders, learning techniques to respond to choking and breathing emergencies involving their dogs and cats. The class, held at Knox Canine Training, focused on demonstrations of chest compressions and other life-saving skills.

Why it matters

With pets increasingly viewed as family members, knowing how to respond in a medical crisis can make the difference between life and death. This class provides pet owners in Des Moines with critical skills and resources to handle emergencies until professional veterinary care arrives.

The details

The pet CPR and first aid class covered a range of emergency scenarios, including how to perform chest compressions on choking animals. Instructor Katie Belken, owner of Teddy's Ruff Riders, emphasized that these techniques are not a substitute for veterinary care, but can be vital in the crucial first minutes of a crisis.

  • The class was held on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Teddy's Ruff Riders hosts these pet CPR classes periodically at the Knox Canine Training facility in north Des Moines.

The players

Teddy's Ruff Riders

A Des Moines-based organization that provides pet training, boarding, and emergency preparedness classes for local animal owners.

Katie Belken

The owner of Teddy's Ruff Riders and the instructor for the pet CPR and first aid class.

Knox Canine Training

The north Des Moines facility that hosted the Teddy's Ruff Riders pet CPR class.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody who has a pet, whether it's a dog or a cat, has been in a medical emergency. And you don't know what to do, right? And it's those first few minutes, you can only do as well as you can with the resources you have available. And this is just one more resource. So if your dog is choking on a rawhide, do you know what you do?”

— Katie Belken, Owner, Teddy's Ruff Riders

The takeaway

This pet CPR class highlights the importance for all pet owners to be prepared for medical emergencies and have the skills to provide immediate, life-saving care until professional veterinary assistance arrives. Knowing these techniques could mean the difference between life and death for a beloved family pet.