General Questions

What makes RECOVER CPR certification special?

The RECOVER certification process is the ONLY veterinary CPR certification recognized by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC) and Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) as a standardized method derived from the latest evidence-based veterinary CPR guideline. The initiative is also a non-profit endeavor. 

How do I get certified?

The first step in certification is to complete the online course to earn a certificate in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS). You can then become a RECOVER Certified BLS Rescuer® and RECOVER Certified ALS Rescuer® by participating in an in-person training session. Rescuers also will gain the option to become a RECOVER Certified BLS Instructor® and RECOVER Certified ALS Instructor®. More information on the process can be found at “How Certification Works”

When and where are the practical sessions available?

We have a developing network of RECOVER Certified BLS Instructors® and RECOVER Certified ALS Instructors® that conduct the in-person certification sessions. There are RECOVER Certifications held at IVECCS annually. We are falling into an annual pattern at some of the conferences like VMX, WVC, SWVS, and will keep adding to the list. Veterinary practices interested in having a RECOVER Certified BLS Instructor® or RECOVER Certified ALS Instructor® come to their practice may also contact us to receive contact information of our instructors to arrange training. Please see the Rescuer certification and Instructor certification pages for updates.

How much does it cost to become certified?

The course fees for veterinarians:

• BLS/ALS package – $150
• BLS only – $90
• ALS only – $65

The course fees for veterinary technicians/nurses, veterinary students, support staff:

• BLS/ALS – $75
• BLS only – $45
• ALS only – $35

Rescuer certification and Instructor certification sessions can have varied pricing depending on the session.

How does group pricing work?

Group pricing for online courses are available for 5 or more individuals registering as a part of the group, leading to a 20% discount.

The discounted course fees for veterinarians:

• BLS/ALS package – $120
• BLS only – $72
• ALS only – $52

The course fees for veterinary technicians/nurses, veterinary students, support staff:

• BLS/ALS – $60
• BLS only – $36
• ALS only – $28

Please fill out this form to arrange for group pricing.

How long are certifications valid?

Certification is valid for 2 years from the date of your most recently completed certification.

Are there any requirements to be eligible for certification?

Every veterinary professional is eligible to take the online courses and become RECOVER Certified BLS Rescuers® or RECOVER Certified ALS Rescuers®. The option to become a RECOVER Certified BLS Instructor® or RECOVER Certified ALS Instructor® is available licensed veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians. An online course specifically for pet owners is available, with future plans to make in-person training available in the future. There is no age restriction to learning RECOVER CPR.

Do RECOVER CPR courses include first aid?

The RECOVER CPR courses currently do not include first aid. The 2019 guideline process include First Aid as a new domain and will be creating evidence-based recommendations which will become the base of a certification process.

Can a RECOVER Certified BLS Instructor® or RECOVER Certified ALS Instructor® come to my practice to teach a course?

RECOVER Certified BLS Instructors® and RECOVER Certified ALS Instructors® are independent of RECOVER and have an agreement with us to provide veterinary CPR training using our standardized training methods. The RECOVER Initiative can help you contact these instructors to arrange for training. Please contact us for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@recoverinitiative.org.