Frequently Asked Questions

RECOVER CPR certification is the only veterinary CPR certification program recognized by ACVECC and VECCS. The training is based on the latest evidence-based veterinary CPR guidelines and provides standardized BLS and ALS training for veterinary professionals. RECOVER also offers CPR education for pet owners, pet professionals, and first responders, helping more people learn how to respond. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, RECOVER’s mission is to empower people to provide lifesaving care to animals through education, science, and community.

Veterinary professionals can earn RECOVER CPR certification by first completing the online RECOVER CPR – BLS and/or RECOVER CPR – ALS courses. After completing the online training, learners can attend an in-person RECOVER BLS/ALS Rescuer Workshop® to become a RECOVER Certified BLS Rescuer® and/or RECOVER Certified ALS Rescuer®. Veterinary professionals interested in teaching RECOVER courses may also pursue RECOVER Certified BLS Instructor® and RECOVER Certified ALS Instructor® certification.

RECOVER also offers CPR education specifically for pet owners, pet professionals, and first responders and working animal handlers. The training available to these audiences varies based on their role and the type of animal care or emergency response they provide.

Learn more about How Certification Works.

No prior CPR training or emergency experience is required. RECOVER courses are designed for veterinary professionals at all experience levels, including veterinarians, technicians/nurses, assistants, students, and support staff.

Yes! Veterinary students and veterinary technician/nursing students can enroll in RECOVER CPR courses to build CPR knowledge and skills before entering clinical practice.

Yes, RECOVER CPR – BLS and ALS courses are completed online through RECOVER Academy. Hands-on RECOVER BLS/ALS Rescuer Workshops® are also available once the online courses have been completed for veterinary professionals seeking to further their veterinary BLS and ALS training.

Basic Life Support (BLS) focuses on recognizing cardiopulmonary arrest, performing chest compressions, and ventilation techniques. Advanced Life Support (ALS) covers ECG rhythm recognition, defibrillation, emergency drugs, fluid therapy, and team communication during CPR events.

RECOVER Basic Life Support (BLS) training is required before enrolling in Advanced Life Support (ALS).

RECOVER CPR training focuses on small animal CPR techniques for dogs and cats in veterinary clinical settings.

RECOVER CPR hands-on training is offered by independent RECOVER Certified Instructors and at select veterinary conferences throughout the year. To find an instructor or workshop near you, browse the RECOVER Instructor Directory or visit the Upcoming Certification Workshops page.

RECOVER workshops are frequently available at conferences such as IVECCS, VMX, WVC, and SWVS, with additional locations added throughout the year.

RECOVER CPR certification costs vary based on your professional role and the courses selected.

Veterinarians

• BLS/ALS Bundle: $165
• BLS Only: $99
• ALS Only: $75

Veterinary Technicians/Nurses, Veterinary Students, and Support Staff

• BLS/ALS Bundle: $80
• BLS Only: $50
• ALS Only: $40

Please note that RECOVER BLS/ALS Rescuer Workshops® and Instructor Workshops® are priced separately and may vary by instructor, host organization, and location.

Group pricing is available for online RECOVER CPR – BLS and ALS courses when 5 or more individuals register together. Eligible groups receive a 20% discount on course fees.

Veterinarians (discounted pricing)

• BLS/ALS Bundle: $132
• BLS Only: $79.20
• ALS Only: $60

Veterinary Technicians/Nurses, Veterinary Students, and Support Staff (discounted pricing)

• BLS/ALS Bundle: $64
• BLS Only: $40
• ALS Only: $32

To purchase group pricing, create or log in to your account in RECOVER Academy and complete registration for your group.

RECOVER CPR online course certificates are valid for two years from the date of completion. RECOVER Certified BLS Rescuer® and ALS Rescuer® certifications remain valid as long as your online course certificates are current. RECOVER Certified BLS Instructor® and ALS Instructor® certifications are valid for two years from the date of your most recent instructor certification or recertification.

RECOVER CPR training is available to all veterinary professionals, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians and nurses, assistants, support staff, and students. Any veterinary professional may complete the online courses and become a RECOVER Certified BLS Rescuer® or RECOVER Certified ALS Rescuer®.

RECOVER Certified BLS Instructor® and ALS Instructor® certifications are available to licensed veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians/nurses.

RECOVER also offers CPR training for pet owners and pet professionals, including trainers, groomers, dog walkers, and daycare providers. There are no age restrictions for learning RECOVER CPR.

RECOVER also offers training and resources for first responders and working animal handlers, helping those who may encounter injured or critically ill animals in emergency and field settings.

• RECOVER CPR courses focus specifically on evidence-based veterinary CPR and do not currently include general first aid instruction. 

RECOVER offers training for a variety of audiences: 

• Veterinary Professionals: RECOVER CPR – BLS, RECOVER CPR – ALS, RECOVER CPR – Post-Cardiac Arrest Care, RECOVER Newborns – Resuscitation in Dogs and Cats, and VetTEAMS™ – Master Trainer Course
• Pet Owners & Pet Professionals: RECOVER CPR – CPR for Pet Owners and Individuals Course
• First Responders & Working Animal Handlers: RECOVER CPR – First Responder Course

Each course is designed to provide audience-specific training in CPR for dogs and cats, helping learners build the knowledge and skills needed to respond during cardiopulmonary arrest.

Yes. RECOVER Certified BLS/ALS Instructors® are independent instructors who are authorized to deliver RECOVER’s standardized veterinary CPR training. Many instructors are available to provide on-site training at veterinary hospitals, clinics, universities, and other organizations.

To find an instructor in your area, visit the RECOVER Instructor Directory.

You will have access to your RECOVER CPR course for two years from your enrollment date. If you do not complete the course within that time, your access will expire, and you will no longer be able to view the course content or earn certification.

To regain access or complete the course after your enrollment period has ended, you will need to repurchase and enroll in the course again.

Yes. RECOVER CPR BLS and ALS courses are RACE-approved and provide continuing education (CE) credits.

Yes. The online RECOVER CPR courses are self-paced and can be completed on your own schedule.

The RECOVER CPR – BLS course takes approximately 3 hours to complete. The RECOVER CPR – ALS course also takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

Standardized veterinary CPR training helps veterinary teams improve communication, preparedness, and emergency response consistency during cardiopulmonary arrest events. 

RECOVER training is designed to provide practical, evidence-based CPR techniques that can be immediately applied during veterinary emergencies. The courses also emphasize communication, organization, and team dynamics during high-stress CPR events.

Yes. RECOVER offers CPR education specifically for pet owners and other pet professionals. Pet CPR training helps dog and cat owners learn how to recognize a life-threatening emergency and respond with evidence-based CPR techniques while seeking veterinary care. Learn more about CPR training for pet owners and pet professionals.

Yes. RECOVER provides CPR education and resources for first responders who may encounter animals during emergency, rescue, or field situations. This training helps learners understand how to respond to life-threatening emergencies in dogs and cats and provide CPR. Learn more about RECOVER training for first responders and working animal handlers.

Effective teamwork is an important part of providing high-quality care during veterinary emergencies. Clear communication, defined roles, strong leadership, and coordinated decision-making can help veterinary teams perform more effectively during high-stress situations. The VetTEAMS™: Master Trainer Course provides training focused on these skills and how they can be applied in veterinary practice.

The VetTEAMS™: Master Trainer Course is designed for veterinary professionals who want to become a VetTEAMS Master Trainer and lead teamwork and communication training within their practice or organization.