What the 2024 RECOVER Guidelines Means for Veterinary CPR Training

Cardiopulmonary arrest is a time-critical emergency in which survival depends on rapid recognition, high-quality basic life support, effective ventilation, and coordinated team performance. The 2024 RECOVER Guidelines updated veterinary CPR treatment recommendations for Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and CPR-centered monitoring in dogs and cats.

For educators and clinical teams, the practical question is not only what the current recommendations say, but how to train people to perform them consistently. RECOVER’s 2012 Preparedness & Prevention guidance emphasized combining cognitive instruction with hands-on psychomotor practice and structured assessment, while today’s RECOVER Rescuer certification continues to use simulated scenarios and practical testing.

What Are the RECOVER Veterinary CPR Guidelines?

RECOVER stands for the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation, a collaborative initiative supported by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS) and the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC). The first evidence-based consensus CPR guidelines for dogs and cats were published in 2012. RECOVER updated BLS, ALS, and Monitoring recommendations in 2024 using the GRADE methodology for evidence evaluation.

RECOVER reports that more than 113,000 people have completed its online CPR training and more than 38,000 have become Certified BLS/ALS Rescuers through hands-on certification.

What Changed in the 2024 RECOVER Guidelines?

The 2024 update refreshed evidence-based treatment recommendations for BLS, ALS, and monitoring. It also changed how the strength of evidence is described. Rather than using the older Class I / Level A style used in the 2012 guidelines, RECOVER now uses GRADE-style recommendation language such as Strong or Weak recommendations paired with evidence-quality descriptions.

• Chest-compression depth in dorsal recumbency – compress to approximately one-quarter of the thoracic depth rather than applying the lateral-recumbency target.
• Cats and small dogs – three compression techniques are acceptable based on rescuer preference and real-time markers of perfusion.
• Non-intubated ventilation – a tight-fitting facemask with a manual resuscitator is preferred when available.
• ETCO₂ targets – continuous ETCO₂ monitoring is recommended during intubated CPR, with CPR optimized to achieve ETCO₂ no lower than 18 mm Hg.
• Compression interruptions – pauses should be minimized, and the normal 2-minute cycle should not be interrupted without strong evidence suggesting return of spontaneous circulation.

2024 RECOVER CPR Guidelines for Dogs & Cats: Key BLS Recommendations

• Compression rate – 100–120 chest compressions per minute in dogs and cats.
• Compression depth in lateral recumbency – one-third to one-half of the chest width at the compression point.
• Compression depth in dorsal recumbency – approximately one-quarter of the anterior-posterior thoracic depth.
• Chest recoil – allow full chest-wall recoil between compressions.
• Non-intubated compression-to-ventilation ratio – 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
• Intubated ventilation – continuous chest compressions with 10 breaths per minute, or approximately one breath every 6 seconds.
• Compression cycles – perform uninterrupted 2-minute compression cycles and change compressors at least every 2 minutes; switch sooner if fatigue develops while keeping interruptions extremely brief.
• Pause & Check – after a full 2-minute cycle, pause for no more than 10 seconds for rhythm interpretation and pulse palpation.

Veterinary CPR Compression Rate, Depth & Positioning Guide

Patient / Position	Compression Location / Technique	Rate	Depth
Most dogs in lateral recumbency	Use chest-shape appropriate hand placement	100–120/min	⅓–½ chest width
Round-chested dog	Widest part of the thorax	100–120/min	⅓–½ chest width
Keel-chested dog	Directly over the heart	100–120/min	⅓–½ chest width
Wide-chested dog	Lateral initially; dorsal may be used once intubated and positionally stable	100–120/min	Dorsal: ~¼ thoracic depth
Cat / small dog	Circumferential 2-thumb, one-handed palm, or one-handed thumb-to-fingers technique	100–120/min	Technique appropriate to patient size and position

Quick ventilation reference: non-intubated dogs and cats use 30:2. Once intubated, compressions continue without routine pauses for ventilation and breaths are delivered at approximately 10/min.

Ventilation and Intubation During Veterinary CPR

When multiple rescuers are available, one rescuer should begin chest compressions while another evaluates the airway, clears obstruction if necessary, and performs endotracheal intubation as soon as practical. Once the patient is intubated, positive-pressure ventilation is provided at about 10 breaths per minute while chest compressions continue in uninterrupted 2-minute cycles.

For non-intubated dogs and cats, RECOVER recommends positive-pressure breaths through a tight-fitting facemask and manual resuscitator when available. If a tight-fitting facemask is unavailable, mouth-to-nose rescue breaths may be used when rescuer risk is low; if risk is high or unknown, compression-only CPR may be appropriate until an alternative airway is available.

How Is ETCO₂ Used During Veterinary CPR?

Waveform capnography is a key monitoring tool during intubated CPR. The 2024 RECOVER Monitoring Guidelines recommend continuous ETCO₂ measurement to help assess chest-compression quality and recommend optimizing CPR to achieve ETCO₂ no lower than 18 mm Hg.

Capnography can also help confirm endotracheal tube placement. A consistent CO₂ waveform supports correct placement, while a very low ETCO₂ value despite apparently high-quality compressions should prompt the team to confirm tracheal intubation by another method.

Do You Check for a Pulse Before Starting Veterinary CPR?

Not during the initial recognition step. When an animal is unresponsive and not breathing normally, RECOVER emphasizes calling for help, stimulating the patient, assessing breathing, and beginning BLS without delaying compressions for an initial pulse check. The initial assessment and airway check should be brief enough that compressions are not delayed by more than about 10–15 seconds.

Pulse palpation does occur later. After each full 2-minute compression cycle, the team performs a brief “Pause & Check” of no more than 10 seconds to interpret the ECG while a team member palpates for a femoral pulse.

Why Does Veterinary CPR Training Require Hands-On Practice?

RECOVER has long treated CPR as both a cognitive and psychomotor skill. The 2012 Preparedness & Prevention guidance recommended didactic instruction plus hands-on practice with feedback, regular refresher training, structured assessment, and post-event or post-simulation debriefing.

Current RECOVER certification follows the same practical logic. The BLS Rescuer workshop includes hands-on training with simulated BLS scenarios and a practical assessment. The ALS Rescuer workshop uses veterinary-specific simulation software with either a high-fidelity simulator or a static mannequin and also requires a practical assessment.

A CPR manikin therefore serves a different purpose from a lecture or algorithm poster. It allows learners to practice compression rate, depth, recoil, positioning, ventilation, intubation, compressor transitions, role assignment, team communication, and short rhythm/pulse checks under time pressure until the sequence becomes familiar and repeatable.

How Do You Choose a Veterinary CPR Manikin?

• Realistic chest compliance and recoil – the chest should support repeated compressions while giving learners a useful tactile sense of compression depth and recoil.
• Appropriate patient size and conformation – compression location and technique differ among small dogs, cats, round-chested dogs, keel-chested dogs, and wide-chested dogs.
• Positioning flexibility – the trainer should support lateral positioning and, when relevant to the learning objectives, dorsal positioning.
• Airway access – if learners are expected to practice intubation and ventilation, select a trainer with an appropriate airway.
• Compression feedback – rate, depth, and recoil feedback can turn practice into a measurable competency exercise.
• Durability – team-based mock codes involve repeated, vigorous use; replacement parts and serviceability matter.
• Team-scenario compatibility – leave enough physical space for the compressor, airway rescuer, team leader, recorder, and ALS roles to work around the patient.
• Advanced monitoring capability – programs teaching ALS may need ECG rhythm simulation, defibrillation workflow, ETCO₂ monitoring, vascular access, and medication-response scenarios.

Basic CPR Manikin vs. Advanced Veterinary CPR Simulator

Training Level	Best For	Useful Capabilities
BLS CPR manikin	Core CPR mechanics and team response	Chest compressions, recoil, positioning, ventilation, airway access, intubation, compressor changes, team roles
Advanced / ALS simulator	Rhythm-based resuscitation and full-code scenarios	ECG rhythms, defibrillation workflow, vascular access, medication timing, ETCO₂/capnography, reversible causes, team leadership

How Do You Build a Veterinary CPR Training Station?

1. CPR manikin or simulator – a reusable base for compression, positioning, and team practice. VetiSimLab offers several options, including the Canine CPR Manikin Cooper, Capper Feline CPR Manikin, and Nasco Advanced Sanitary CPR Dog.
2. Airway equipment – endotracheal tubes, laryngoscope, ties, and appropriate connectors if intubation is an objective. A Canine Intubation Head can provide a dedicated platform for veterinary airway practice.
3. Manual resuscitator / breathing circuit – for positive-pressure ventilation practice.
4. Monitoring or simulation system – ECG and ETCO₂ capability when teaching advanced CPR. The Veterinary Patient Monitor can support monitoring instruction, while the G2 CO2 & IBP Upgrade Kit for Veterinary Patient Monitor adds advanced monitoring capabilities.
5. Defibrillation training capability – for ALS scenarios if rhythm recognition and shockable rhythms are part of the curriculum. Options include the ZOLL AED Plus Trainer and Prestan Professional AED Trainer Plus.
6. IV / IO access supplies – for advanced-code workflow and medication-delivery scenarios.
7. RECOVER algorithm and dosing aids – keep cognitive aids visible and immediately accessible during mock codes.
8. Debriefing checklist – use after simulated scenarios to review technique, communication, timing, and team performance.

Veterinary CPR Training Solutions from VetiSimLab

VetiSimLab supports veterinary schools, technician programs, and clinical teams with simulation and clinical-skills training products across emergency care, airway management, vascular access, monitoring, and other core competencies. For programs building or upgrading a RECOVER-informed CPR curriculum, the right setup depends on whether the goal is basic compression and airway practice, full-team BLS scenarios, or advanced ALS simulation.

For basic CPR practice, programs can choose a species-appropriate manikin such as the Canine CPR Manikin Cooper or Capper Feline CPR Manikin. Programs teaching more advanced scenarios can combine a CPR manikin with airway training, patient monitoring, CO₂ monitoring, and AED training to create a more comprehensive emergency-simulation station.

If CPR readiness is a priority for your program, contact VetiSimLab with the patient sizes, skills, feedback features, monitoring capabilities, and budget your curriculum requires. That input helps identify the most useful emergency-simulation solutions for veterinary education.

Veterinary CPR Training FAQs

What Is the RECOVER Veterinary CPR Guideline?

RECOVER is the evidence-based veterinary CPR guideline initiative supported by VECCS and ACVECC. The current core CPR treatment recommendations for dogs and cats include the 2024 updates to Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, and Monitoring. The RECOVER Initiative’s current guidelines provide access to the latest recommendations.

What Is the Compression Rate for CPR in Dogs and Cats?

RECOVER recommends 100–120 chest compressions per minute in dogs and cats.

How Deep Should Chest Compressions Be in a Dog?

In lateral recumbency, compress approximately one-third to one-half of the chest width at the compression point. In dorsal recumbency, compress approximately one-quarter of the thoracic depth.

How Do You Perform CPR on a Cat or Small Dog?

RECOVER allows several techniques based on rescuer preference and perfusion feedback, including a circumferential two-thumb technique and two different one-handed approaches.

What Is the Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio for Dogs and Cats?

For non-intubated dogs and cats, the recommended ratio is 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Once intubated, chest compressions continue and ventilation is delivered at approximately 10 breaths per minute.

Do You Check for a Pulse Before Starting Veterinary CPR?

Not during the initial assessment of an unresponsive, apneic patient. BLS should begin without delaying compressions for an initial pulse check. A femoral pulse is palpated during the brief Pause & Check after each 2-minute compression cycle.

How Often Should Compressors Switch During Veterinary CPR?

An individual rescuer should not perform more than 2 consecutive minutes of chest compressions. If fatigue develops sooner, rescuers can switch mid-cycle as long as the interruption is kept extremely brief.

How Long Is One CPR Cycle in Dogs and Cats?

For intubated CPR, chest compressions are delivered in uninterrupted 2-minute cycles, followed by a Pause & Check lasting no more than 10 seconds.

Why Is ETCO₂ Used During Veterinary CPR?

Continuous ETCO₂ monitoring helps assess compression quality, supports confirmation of endotracheal tube placement, and may provide evidence of return of spontaneous circulation. RECOVER recommends optimizing CPR to achieve ETCO₂ of at least 18 mm Hg.

What Should a Veterinary CPR Manikin Be Able to Do?

At minimum, it should support repeated chest-compression practice and appropriate positioning. Depending on the curriculum, useful additional features include an intubatable airway, ventilation capability, compression feedback, ECG rhythm simulation, defibrillation workflow, vascular access, and capnography.

What Is the Difference Between RECOVER Online Certification and RECOVER Rescuer Certification?

RECOVER online BLS and ALS courses assess knowledge. Rescuer certification adds an in-person hands-on workshop using simulated scenarios and requires a practical skills assessment. See how RECOVER certification works.