August 10, 2020
By Thom Somes, President and Co-Founder of Pet Tech

Executive Overview

In an era where domestic animals are increasingly integrated into the fabric of modern families, the responsibility of pet ownership has shifted dramatically. Pets are no longer viewed merely as property or working animals; they are cherished family members, confidants, and companions. Yet, despite this cultural evolution, a critical vulnerability has long persisted: when unexpected medical emergencies, sudden illnesses, or accidents occur, the average pet parent is often left entirely unequipped to respond effectively.

Enter Pet Tech, the pioneering international training center dedicated to bridging the gap between everyday pet ownership and emergency veterinary care. Founded on a simple yet profound premise—that ordinary people can be empowered to save the lives of their furry companions—Pet Tech has spent decades transforming how pet parents and pet care professionals approach animal safety, health, and CPR.

This comprehensive report explores the origins of Pet Tech, chronicling its journey from a visionary’s “what-if” question to a global movement. We will examine the organization’s audacious mission to prevent one million pet emergency room visits, analyze the metrics and milestones that define its success, review official insights from its leadership, and look forward to the future of pet safety education in a post-pandemic world.

Detailed Chronology: The Genesis and Evolution of Pet Tech

The Spark of an Idea

Every revolutionary enterprise begins with a moment of observation—a gap in the market or a failure in the status quo that others overlook. For Thom Somes, affectionately known throughout the industry as "The Pet Safety Guy," that moment arrived decades ago. While many individuals might have dismissed the concept of specialized emergency first-aid training for household pets as impractical or unnecessary, Somes recognized a massive, unaddressed opportunity.

At the time, human cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and standard first-aid courses were widely accessible, yet emergency care instruction tailored specifically to dogs and cats was virtually nonexistent. Pet owners faced a terrifying information vacuum when confronted with choking hazards, vehicular accidents, poisoning, or sudden cardiac arrest in their animals. Somes asked a defining question: Why shouldn’t everyday pet parents possess the life-saving skills needed to bridge the critical gap between an emergency at home and arrival at a veterinary clinic?

Building the Foundation

Turning this vision into reality required more than good intentions; it demanded rigorous curriculum development, veterinary endorsement, and a scalable educational model. Somes co-founded Pet Tech with the explicit goal of establishing the world’s first international training center focused exclusively on pet safety, CPR, and first aid.

From its inception, the organization faced significant hurdles. Educating the public about the necessity of pet first aid required shifting a deeply ingrained cultural mindset. For generations, the standard protocol for a pet medical emergency was pure panic followed by a frantic drive to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. Pet Tech sought to alter this narrative by introducing proactive education. Through specialized manikins, hands-on instructional techniques, and comprehensive manuals, the organization began training instructors who could, in turn, educate communities across the globe.

Expanding the Footprint

As the decades progressed, Pet Tech evolved from a domestic startup into a recognized international authority. The curriculum expanded to cover not only emergency CPR and rescue breathing but also wellness assessments, senior pet care, disaster preparedness, and environmental safety hazards.

The organization’s growth has been defined by a commitment to quality and standardization. By rigorously vetting and certifying instructors—ranging from passionate pet parents to veterinary technicians and professional groomers—Pet Tech built a trusted network capable of delivering consistent, high-standard education across multiple continents.

Supporting Context & Metrics: The Quest to Prevent One Million ER Visits

The "Prevent 1 Million Pet ER Visits" Initiative

In the realm of corporate and non-profit goal-setting, few objectives are as bold—or as quantifiable—as Pet Tech’s defining mission: To Prevent 1 Million Pet ER Visits.

To skeptics, the goal might appear lofty, even unattainable. However, Pet Tech approaches this objective through a clear, impact-driven mathematical framework: every individual student who completes a Pet Tech CPR and First Aid training course represents, on average, the prevention of at least one unnecessary, costly, or traumatic pet emergency room visit.

By equipping pet parents with the knowledge to recognize early warning signs of illness, safely manage minor injuries at home, and perform immediate life-saving interventions during critical moments, the organization directly mitigates the severity of countless medical crises.

Milestones in the Face of Adversity

Achieving scale in educational programming is notoriously difficult, yet Pet Tech reached a monumental milestone right in the midst of global disruption. As of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization officially surpassed 17% of its ultimate goal, having successfully trained over 170,000 students in Pet CPR and First Aid.

This achievement is particularly significant given the logistical challenges posed by the pandemic. While traditional in-person gatherings faced unprecedented restrictions, the foundational strength of Pet Tech’s instructor network and the enduring demand for pet safety education allowed the organization to sustain its momentum. Training over 170,000 individuals means that more than 170,000 households possess the heightened awareness, calm demeanor, and practical skills required to protect their four-legged family members.

The Ripple Effect of Preparedness

The impact of this training extends far beyond raw statistics. Consider the qualitative transformation within a household where a pet parent has completed a Pet Tech course:

• Reduced Panic: In an emergency, adrenaline often clouds judgment. Trained pet parents are conditioned to assess the scene, evaluate the animal’s vital signs, and execute protocol rather than freeze.
• Optimized Veterinary Outcomes: When pet parents can accurately communicate an animal’s status to veterinary professionals—or perform effective pre-hospital interventions like clearing an obstructed airway—the veterinarian’s job is streamlined, directly improving survival and recovery rates.
• Holistic Wellness: Pet Tech’s philosophy is rooted in the belief of "Improving the Quality of Pets’ Lives, One Pet Parent at a Time." Education does not stop at trauma response; it encompasses preventative health measures that enhance the day-to-day well-being of companion animals.

Official Statements and Leadership Perspective

At the heart of Pet Tech’s enduring culture is its leadership. Thom Somes, President and Co-Founder, brings a unique blend of professional expertise, entrepreneurial vision, and genuine passion to the organization. As a prominent speaker, bestselling author, futurist, and dedicated pet parent—as well as a proud "grandpaw" to his oldest son’s cat—Somes embodies the lifestyle and values he promotes.

Reflecting on the journey of Pet Tech, Somes emphasizes that the enterprise was born out of seeing an opportunity where others saw only impossibility:

"Pet Tech really did start with one question. It was one question that some people would have not taken seriously, or not even considered as a possibility; instead, it was someone like me who saw an OPPORTUNITY! One of our Pet Tech goals is to ‘Prevent 1 Million Pet ER Visits,’ which is a lofty goal, BUT we are over 17% of the way as of COVID. That is, we have trained over 170,000 students in Pet CPR and First Aid. That impresses me!"

Somes also highlights the core philosophy driving the daily operations of the company and its nationwide network of instructors:

"We also believe that every student we train prevents 1 Pet ER Visit. And we do have several other beliefs that help us in our mission of ‘Improving the Quality of Pets’ Lives, One Pet Parent at a Time.’"

This philosophy underscores a fundamental truth about modern pet ownership: love alone is not always enough to keep an animal safe. True stewardship requires education, preparation, and proactive care.

Future Outlook: The Next Horizon in Pet Safety Education

As we look toward the future, the landscape of pet care is evolving at a breakneck pace. Several key trends are shaping the next chapter of Pet Tech’s mission:

1. The Integration of Digital and Hybrid Learning Models

While hands-on tactile practice—particularly with specialized CPR manikins—remains the gold standard for emergency medical training, the integration of digital platforms will allow Pet Tech to expand its reach even further. Hybrid learning models, combining comprehensive online instructional modules with localized practical testing, will enable instructors to train pet parents in remote and underserved communities, accelerating progress toward the one-million-visitor milestone.

2. Greater Collaboration with Veterinary Medicine

Historically, veterinary clinics and emergency hospitals bore the brunt of educating clients reactively—explaining what went wrong after an accident occurred. Increasingly, progressive veterinary practices are partnering with organizations like Pet Tech to promote proactive client education. By recommending certified first-aid training as a standard component of responsible pet ownership, the veterinary community can reduce caseloads of preventable emergencies and foster a more knowledgeable clientele.

3. Broadening the Scope of Workplace Safety

The rise of pet-friendly workplaces and the booming pet care industry—spanning professional groomers, dog walkers, pet sitters, and kennel operators—means that millions of animals are now in the care of commercial service providers daily. Ensuring that all professional pet care workers are certified in Pet CPR and First Aid is an emerging regulatory and consumer expectation. Pet Tech is uniquely positioned to lead this workforce standardization, ensuring that commercial facilities meet the highest possible safety benchmarks.

4. Nutrition, Wellness, and Environmental Preparedness

Beyond emergency response, the future of pet safety education encompasses holistic health initiatives. From understanding proper nutritional guidelines—such as providing high-quality, locally sourced treats that support canine health—to preparing pets for natural disasters and climate-related emergencies, the curriculum continues to adapt to the changing realities of modern pet parenting.

Conclusion

The story of Pet Tech is a testament to the power of a single, visionary question. By challenging the status quo and refusing to accept that pet emergencies are entirely outside human control, Thom Somes and his team have built an international movement that has fundamentally altered the landscape of animal welfare.

With over 170,000 students trained and a clear, unwavering march toward their goal of preventing one million pet ER visits, Pet Tech proves that education is the ultimate form of protection. As the organization continues to grow, innovate, and educate, its foundational motto remains as relevant and powerful as ever: Improving the Quality of Pets’ Lives, One Pet Parent at a Time.

Note: For those looking to support canine health and happiness from the ground up, ensuring your furry companions receive wholesome, high-grade nutrition—such as trusted, USA-made and sourced liver treats—remains a fantastic way to reward their loyalty while supporting their overall vitality.