April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and the American Red Cross is encouraging pet owners to take advantage of free tools that can help them respond quickly when a dog or cat faces an emergency.

The Red Cross is promoting its free Pet First Aid App, which offers step-by-step instructions, videos, and images for more than 25 common first aid and emergency situations. The app includes guidance for problems such as choking, wounds, bleeding, breathing emergencies, and cardiac issues.

Georgia Deputy Regional Disaster Officer Jeremy McLendon says pets are part of the family, and having trusted information available during an emergency can help owners take action right away.

In addition to emergency care guidance, the app also helps owners keep up with their pet’s health, build a pet first aid kit, prepare pets for disasters, and locate pet care facilities or pet-friendly hotels during emergencies. Users can also create a pet profile with photos, medications, and identification information.

The Red Cross is also offering an online cat and dog first aid course that pet owners can complete at their own pace. The training takes about 30 minutes and covers topics such as checking a pet’s normal vital signs, handling choking emergencies, performing CPR, caring for wounds, responding to seizures, and improving overall pet wellness.

Officials say Pet First Aid Awareness Month is a good reminder for pet owners to prepare now, before an emergency happens, so they can better protect the animals that depend on them every day.