Society's first aid kit
great idea for animals

VANCOUVER - "With the arrival of spring many pets become more active as they spend more time outdoors, accompanying their humans on longer walks, hikes and other adventures. During this time they can be more susceptible to any of a variety of injuries. Having a quality animal first aid kit handy for such emergencies is part of being a responsible pet guardian," says Al Hickey, Western Regional Director for The Humane Society of Canada (HSC).

The HSC has produced a quality first aid kit. This compact, well-stocked kit can easily be taken to the cottage, on camping trips and similar outings making it an invaluable, potentially life-saving item for your animal companions. The following items are contained in the animal first aid kit.

Tweezers, magnifying glass, rescue sheet, latex gloves (1 pair), hydrogen peroxide (bottle), antibacterial topical ointment (tube), instant cold pack, adhesive tape (roll), sterile gauze pads (3), sterile gauze (roll), insect sting stop pads (8), antiseptic towelettes (6), antimicrobial hand wipes (3), elastic cling bandage, Q-Tip(r) cotton swabs (12), antiseptic solution (bottle), eyewash solution (bottle), safety pins (medium size, 4), tongue depressors (2), penlight with batteries (2AA), scissors, first aid booklet, money to make a phone call.

According to HSC Executive Director, Michael O'Sullivan, the kit was developed to assist companion animals and their human guardians in times of emergency. "When your animal is hurt, time is critical. That's why we've developed a special HSC Animal First Aid Kit to try and help relieve their suffering," says O'Sullivan.

Included with the kit is an informative 28-page first aid manual. Veterinarians and animal care workers have reviewed the kit and first aid manual. According to O'Sullivan the contents of the kit have been field-tested in disaster and war zones around the world.

"This kit was created to assist people with their pets in times of emergency before their veterinarian can be seen. However, as an added bonus, all of the revenue generated from these kits goes to our programmes aimed at protecting animals," says O'Sullivan. "So when you buy an HSC first aid kit, you're not only looking out for your animal companions, but pets and wild animals who need help as well."

The cost of the animal first aid kit is $29.99 (includes all taxes, postage and handling.) For more information or to order the animal first aid kit call (toll free) 1-800-641-KIND (5463) or go to the Humane Society of Canada's website at www.humanesociety.com (the animal first aid kit is in the HSC Online Adventure Store). CONTACT: Al Hickey or Michael O'Sullivan by toll free 1-800-641-KIND or Michael on his cell phone (416) 876-9685.

For more than 17 years, Al Hickey was the Chief Executive of the BC SPCA and before that headed up the Alberta and BC Chambers of Commerce, and the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Vancouver. He has six grandchildren.

A father with two small children, and a houseful of dogs and cats, O'Sullivan has worked in Canada and in over 85 countries during the last 30 years helping people, animals and nature.

The Humane Society works to protect dogs, cats, horses, birds, livestock, lab animals, wildlife and the environment. They carry out hands on programs to help animals and nature, mount rescue operations, expose cruelty through hard hitting undercover investigations, work to pass laws to protect animals, fund scientific research, support animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centres and spread the word about how to help animals and nature through humane education.