Submitted by Steve on 11:57, 21st Apr, 2026 | 0

Islanders Learn Life‑Saving Skills at GSPCA Dog First Aid Course

The Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) held a successful Dog First Aid Course last Wednesday, with 10 islanders gaining vital skills and knowledge on how to respond in emergencies and potentially save a dog’s life.

The course was delivered by GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne and brought together a mix of pet owners and pet professionals, all keen to learn how to recognise emergency situations, provide immediate care and act confidently if a dog is injured or unwell.

With the introduction of licensing for many pet‑related businesses in Guernsey, the GSPCA has seen an increase in pet professionals attending courses in order to gain recognised pet first aid certification, helping to raise standards of care across the island.

Speaking after the course, GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:

“It was a fantastic evening and really great to see such a mix of people in the room, all keen to learn something that could genuinely make a difference in an emergency. We covered some serious topics, but there was also plenty of discussion, hands‑on learning and fun along the way. Knowing how to act in those critical first moments can save a dog’s life, and everyone did brilliantly.”

The GSPCA will be running a Cat First Aid Course next Wednesday, with places available to book online. Further pet first aid and training courses are also planned for the autumn.

Courses are open to both pet owners and professionals, including dog walkers, groomers, sitters and trainers, and provide practical, confidence‑building training in a supportive environment.

For full details and to book upcoming courses, visit:
 https://www.gspca.org.gg/services/training-courses


#GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal Update

The GSPCA Wildlife Hospital, part of the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, continues to progress impressively. The west wing roof trusses are now complete, giving a striking preview of the future facility, and the east wing roof trusses are scheduled to begin very soon.

With the project now at its halfway point, the GSPCA is encouraging supporters to join the appeal by:

  • Donating to the Build Fund
  • Sponsoring a room, kennel, aviary, or specialised unit
  • Supporting sustainability upgrades, including planned solar panel installations
  • Taking part in events or community fundraising
  • Leaving a gift or message of support via giving.gg

Every contribution supports the future of wildlife rescue in Guernsey for generations to come.


Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal

To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

To see animals looking for new homes

https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals


To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA

To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog

Upcoming events

  • Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 29th April 2026  Ref – Cat29/04
  • Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday 3rd May 2026
  • Hedgehog Awareness Week 3rd – 9th May 2026
  • Liberation Day Ball at The Duke with Sidneys Sponsored Events
  • Charities Seafront Sunday 17th May 2026
  • GSPCA Cupcake Week 15th to 22nd May 2026
  • Half Term Tours May 2026 May 2026 To be confirmed
  • Microchip Month June 2026
  • Volunteers Week 1st – 7th June 2026
  • Guernsey Together Saturday 13th June 2026
  • Classic Vehicle Show Sunday 21st June 2026
  • Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday 26th June 2026
  • Viaer Marchi Monday 6th July 2026
  • Kitten Day 10th July 2026
  • World Snake Day 16th July 2026
  • Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
  • Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
  • Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
  • South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
  • West Show 12th-13th August 2026
  • World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
  • North Show 19th-20th August 2026
  • International Dog Day 26th August 2026
  • World Animal Month October 2026
  • World Animal Day 4th October 2026
  • Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
  • National cat Day 29th October 2026
  • Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
  • Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
  • Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
  • Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
  • World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
  • Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed

Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”

“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”

“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”

“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”

“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”

“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “

“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “

“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -

http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”

"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."

"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."

“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”

“To visit our x page please click here .”

“Thank you for your support.”

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