August 10, 2020
By Thom Somes, President and Co-Founder of Pet Tech
Executive Overview
In an era where domestic animals are increasingly regarded as full-fledged family members, the standard of care expected by pet parents has reached unprecedented heights. Yet, despite the deep emotional bonds shared between humans and their animal companions, a critical vulnerability has long persisted: the knowledge gap in emergency veterinary response. When a beloved dog or cat experiences sudden cardiac arrest, choking, or traumatic injury, the critical minutes before reaching a professional veterinary clinic often mean the difference between life and death.
Enter Pet Tech, the pioneering international training center dedicated to bridging this dangerous divide. Founded on a singular, visionary question—What if everyday pet parents and pet care professionals possessed the life-saving skills of veterinary technicians?—the organization has spent decades transforming pet safety education.
Led by Thom Somes, affectionately known as "The Pet Safety Guy," Pet Tech has established a nationwide and international footprint, training hundreds of thousands of individuals in Pet CPR, First Aid, and advanced care protocols. As detailed in this report, Pet Tech’s ambitious mission—to "Prevent 1 Million Pet ER Visits"—is no longer a distant pipe dream. Powered by a dedicated community of instructors, passionate pet parents, and an unwavering commitment to animal welfare, the organization has already crossed significant milestones, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of modern pet parenting.
Detailed Chronology: The Genesis and Evolution of Pet Tech
The story of Pet Tech did not begin in a corporate boardroom or a venture capitalist’s office. It began with an observation of need, an entrepreneurial eye for opportunity, and a profound empathy for animals.
The Spark of an Idea
Long before pet first-aid courses were commonplace, the veterinary world operated largely on a reactive model. Pets experienced emergencies at home, and frantic owners rushed them to emergency rooms, often unaware of the life-saving interventions that could have been safely administered on the kitchen floor.
When Thom Somes and his co-founders first conceptualized Pet Tech, the prevailing mindset among many was that emergency medical care for animals was strictly the domain of licensed veterinarians. Many dismissed the very concept of teaching CPR to non-professionals. However, Somes recognized a massive, unaddressed opportunity: empowering everyday people to act as first responders for their own animals.
Breaking New Ground: The First International Training Center
Establishing Pet Tech required breaking entirely new ground. There were no established curricula for layperson pet CPR, no standardized guidelines for canine and feline first aid, and no regulatory frameworks for training pet care professionals outside of traditional veterinary medicine.
Somes and his team pioneered the industry by developing comprehensive, science-based, and accessible training programs. They shifted the paradigm from exclusive veterinary control to inclusive community empowerment. By designing courses specifically tailored for pet parents, groomers, dog walkers, and kennel operators, Pet Tech created the first truly international training network of its kind.
Navigating Challenges and Milestones
Over the years, Pet Tech’s growth has been marked by resilience and adaptability. From navigating shifting economic landscapes to maintaining instructional integrity across international borders, the organization scaled its operations by building a robust network of certified instructors.
Even amidst global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic—which fundamentally altered how educational services were delivered—Pet Tech maintained its momentum. By pivoting to innovative instructional methodologies and doubling down on its core mission, the organization continued to equip students with the skills needed to protect their four-legged family members during uncertain times.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Quest to Prevent 1 Million ER Visits
To truly understand the impact of Pet Tech, one must examine the numbers. Quantitative metrics reveal an organization driven not just by educational ideals, but by measurable, life-saving outcomes.
The "1 Million ER Visits" Initiative
One of Pet Tech’s most ambitious institutional goals is to "Prevent 1 Million Pet ER Visits." In the world of animal welfare, setting a target measured in millions is exceptionally bold. Yet, according to data released by the organization, this vision is steadily becoming a reality.
As of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 era, Pet Tech officially surpassed a monumental milestone: over 170,000 students trained in Pet CPR and First Aid. This figure represents more than just a tally of certificates issued; it represents over 170,000 human beings equipped to recognize distress, manage trauma, and stabilize animals before professional help can be secured.
The One-to-One Impact Model
Pet Tech operates under a compelling philosophical and statistical assumption: every student trained successfully prevents at least one unnecessary or preventable Pet ER visit.
When a pet parent knows how to safely perform the Heimlich maneuver on a choking dog, an expensive—and potentially fatal—emergency room run is averted. When a dog walker recognizes the early signs of heatstroke and implements immediate cooling protocols, catastrophic organ failure is avoided. By multiplying the number of trained individuals by this impact factor, the ripple effect of Pet Tech’s curriculum becomes staggering, translating into countless saved animal lives, reduced veterinary costs, and immense emotional relief for families.
Official Statements and Leadership Vision
At the heart of Pet Tech’s enduring success is its leadership. Thom Somes, President, Co-Founder, best-selling author, futurist, and dedicated pet parent, embodies the organization’s mission in every aspect of his professional and personal life.
The Philosophy of "Improving the Quality of Pets’ Lives"
In discussing the foundational ethos of Pet Tech, Somes frequently emphasizes a holistic approach to animal welfare. The organization’s guiding motto—"Improving the Quality of Pets’ Lives, One Pet Parent at a Time"—reflects a deep-seated belief that animal safety is fundamentally a human responsibility.
"Pet Tech really did start with one question," Somes reflects. "It was one question that some people would not have 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!"
A Multifaceted Advocate for Animals
Somes’s authority on pet safety stems from decades of immersion in the animal care community. As a professional speaker and author, he has traveled extensively, educating audiences on the nuances of animal behavior, emergency preparedness, and preventative health. Yet, his credentials extend beyond the podium; as a modern pet parent and a proud "grandpaw" to his oldest son’s cat, Somes lives the reality of the community he serves. His leadership style seamlessly blends corporate vision with genuine, grassroots passion for animal companionship.
Future Outlook: The Next Horizon in Pet Safety Education
As society continues to evolve, so too does the landscape of pet ownership. With pet expenditures reaching record highs globally and Millennials and Gen Z increasingly choosing pets over or alongside traditional family milestones, the demand for high-quality pet care education is surging.
Scaling Educational Access
Looking forward, Pet Tech is positioned to accelerate its journey toward its ultimate goal of preventing 1 million ER visits. By leveraging digital transformation, hybrid learning models, and expanding its global network of certified instructors, the organization aims to make pet first aid as ubiquitous as human CPR certification.
Expanding Beyond Basic First Aid
The future of pet safety education extends beyond emergency response into proactive wellness. Future initiatives from industry leaders like Pet Tech are expected to focus heavily on preventative health, senior pet care, nutritional awareness, and mental well-being for animals. By educating pet parents on the subtle warning signs of chronic illness and behavioral changes, the definition of "pet safety" will continue to broaden, ensuring longer, healthier lives for companion animals.
Conclusion
The journey of Pet Tech serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a visionary idea meets relentless execution. From a single question asked decades ago to an international movement comprising over 170,000 trained advocates, Thom Somes and the Pet Tech team have fundamentally altered the landscape of modern animal care.
As they march closer to their goal of preventing one million emergency room visits, their impact remains clear: by empowering pet parents with knowledge, confidence, and life-saving skills, Pet Tech is truly fulfilling its mission of improving the quality of pets’ lives—one pet parent at a time.
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