Deb Chebatoris has looked into the sad eyes of heartbroken pet owners many times. But the owner of Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation in Bridgeville said no loss is harder to accept than the one that could have prevented.

That’s why she’s sponsoring a class teaching first aid for pets during Bridgeville Public Library’s grand opening weekend. The free class will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, and all participants will be certified.

“I know people don’t always have four hours to spend, but it’s four hours that could help save a pet’s life. It’s four hours that could make sure I don’t see these pets until they’re old and gray,” she said.

The class will be taught by Karen Sable, one of Chebatoris’ customers and owner of Pet Emergency Training LLC. Lessons will include canine and feline CPR, poison control, heat stress, rescue breathing and treatment for bites, bleeding, choking, insect stings, fractures and other injuries.

Bernadette Kazmarski has never known the pain associated with the accidental death of a pet during her 25 years of rescuing and fostering cats, but she’s been in difficult situations that would’ve been easier if she knew first aid for animals, she said.

“I’ve rescued cats suffering from lacerations before that would’ve been a lot less severe had I known first aid, and I’ve had cats choke on food before,” she said.

Kazmarski signed up for the class this weekend to not only be a more informed pet owner, but also a more valuable resource for fellow rescuers.

“When you have a lot of animals, it’s good to know first aid,” she said. “I’ll never be able to take the place of a vet, but it always helps to know as much as possible.”

The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates the thousands of accidental pet deaths that occur every year could be prevented with first aid. A list of tips can be found here.

Space is limited for Saturday’s session, and preregistration is required. To sign up, call 412-220-7800.

If this weekend’s certification class is full, additional lessons will be provided later this year in Bethel Park, Carnegie and Robinson libraries. Those 90-minute classes will be held at 11 a.m. July 16 in the Robinson Township Public Library; 6 p.m. Aug. 8 in the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie; and 7 p.m. Sept. 28 in the Bethel Park Public Library.