By Global Pet Health & Safety Desk
Published August 10, 2020
Executive Overview
For millions of households around the globe, pets are not merely animals; they are cherished family members, confidants, and vital anchors of emotional well-being. Yet, despite the deep bonds we share with our companion animals, a critical vulnerability persists in modern pet ownership: the emergency readiness gap. When a beloved dog chokes, a cat ingests a toxic substance, or an outdoor adventure turns perilous, the critical minutes between the incident and veterinary care often dictate life or death.
Enter Pet Tech, the pioneering international training center that fundamentally transformed pet first aid and CPR education. Founded by Thom Somes—affectionately known as "The Pet Safety Guy"—Pet Tech emerged from a singular, visionary question that bridged a massive void in the pet care industry.
Today, the organization stands as a global leader in pet safety education. Driven by an ambitious mission to "Prevent 1 Million Pet ER Visits," Pet Tech has steadily closed the emergency preparedness gap. Even amidst the unprecedented disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization surpassed a remarkable milestone, training more than 170,000 students in pet CPR and first aid. This comprehensive report explores the origins of Pet Tech, the philosophy underpinning its mission, the quantifiable impact of its educational initiatives, and the future outlook for pet safety in an increasingly conscientious world.
Detailed Chronology: From a Single Question to a Global Movement
The Genesis of an Industry
Long before pet first aid became a recognizable category in the pet care ecosystem, the landscape was largely devoid of standardized, accessible emergency training for everyday pet parents. While human CPR and first aid courses were widely available through organizations like the American Red Cross, equivalent resources for animals simply did not exist outside of veterinary school walls.
The turning point occurred when Thom Somes, armed with a background in safety and a profound love for animals, confronted a fundamental question: Why shouldn’t everyday pet parents and pet care professionals be equipped with the life-saving skills necessary to handle veterinary emergencies before they reach a clinic?
While casual observers might have dismissed the concept as impractical or unnecessary, Somes recognized a profound market and humanitarian opportunity. He understood that pet parents frequently found themselves paralyzed by fear during emergencies, lacking the mechanical know-how to administer rescue breaths, manage severe bleeding, or clear obstructed airways.
Establishing the Standard
Somes, alongside his co-founders, set out to demystify animal emergency care. In doing so, they established Pet Tech as the world’s first international training center dedicated exclusively to pet CPR and first aid. The core objective was clear: to democratize veterinary-level emergency response knowledge and package it into accessible, hands-on instructional modules designed for laypeople and professionals alike.
The early years involved rigorous curriculum development, collaboration with veterinary professionals, and the creation of specialized training manikins that allowed students to practice chest compressions and rescue breathing safely. By shifting the paradigm from passive worry to proactive preparedness, Pet Tech transformed pet safety from an overlooked niche into a structured, highly respected discipline.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Crusade to Prevent 1 Million ER Visits
The Mathematics of Prevention
In the world of public health, metrics matter. Pet Tech operationalized its mission through a remarkably bold, quantifiable goal: "Prevent 1 Million Pet ER Visits."
To critics, a goal of this magnitude might have seemed overly lofty, bordering on aspirational marketing. However, the organization’s leadership backed the vision with a pragmatic philosophy: Every single student trained in pet CPR and first aid is mathematically and practically positioned to prevent at least one unnecessary, traumatic, or costly emergency room visit.
When a pet parent knows how to identify the early signs of gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), properly perform the Heimlich maneuver on a choking dog, or stabilize a fractured limb prior to transport, they mitigate secondary injuries and potentially save their animal’s life.
The COVID-19 Milestone
The resilience of Pet Tech’s mission was put to the ultimate test during the global COVID-19 pandemic. As lockdowns swept the globe and pet adoption rates surged due to individuals seeking companionship during isolation, the need for pet safety education became more acute than ever.
Despite the logistical hurdles of social distancing and economic uncertainty, Pet Tech reached a monumental threshold: over 170,000 students trained, representing more than 17% of their ultimate 1-million-visit prevention target. This milestone stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of pet safety education, proving that even during global crises, people remain deeply committed to the health and longevity of their four-legged family members.
Official Statements & Core Philosophy: Improving Lives, One Pet Parent at a Time
The Vision of "The Pet Safety Guy"
Thom Somes, President and Co-Founder of Pet Tech, has spent decades advocating for animal welfare through education. As an acclaimed speaker, bestselling author, futurist, and dedicated pet parent (as well as a proud grandpaw to his oldest son’s cat), Somes views pet safety through a holistic lens.
Reflecting on the journey of Pet Tech, Somes emphasizes that the organization’s success is rooted in empathy and empowerment:
"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! 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.’"
Holistic Care and Community Support
Beyond technical emergency training, Pet Tech champions a philosophy of holistic well-being. This includes nutritional awareness, preventive wellness checks, and fostering deep emotional connections between pets and their human guardians.
In keeping with this community-centric ethos, Pet Tech frequently highlights trusted products that align with its high standards of animal care—such as premium, domestically sourced liver treats that meet rigorous quality controls. By endorsing products that are "Made and Sourced in the USA," the organization reinforces its commitment to nutritional safety and transparent sourcing, ensuring that pets enjoy not only longer lives through emergency preparedness, but healthier daily lives through proper nutrition.
Future Outlook: The Next Horizon in Pet Safety
As we look toward the future of the pet care industry, several macro trends indicate that the demand for specialized pet safety education will only accelerate.
1. The Humanization of Pets
The ongoing trend of treating pets as full-fledged family members—often referred to as the "humanization of pets"—shows no signs of slowing down. Modern pet parents invest significantly more in specialized nutrition, insurance, wellness, and training than previous generations. Consequently, educational programs that offer tangible safety certifications are increasingly viewed as essential rather than optional.
2. Integration of Technology and Hybrid Learning
The future of pet first aid training will likely leverage advanced digital platforms, virtual reality (VR) simulations, and hybrid learning models. While hands-on tactile practice with manikins remains irreplaceable for CPR training, digital scalability will allow Pet Tech and similar organizations to reach remote populations, further accelerating progress toward the 1-million-goal milestone.
3. Professionalization of the Pet Care Workforce
As the pet care service sector—including dog walkers, groomers, pet sitters, and boarding facility operators—becomes more heavily regulated and professionalized, emergency preparedness certifications will become standard industry requirements. Employers are recognizing that hiring Pet Tech-certified professionals adds immense value and peace of mind to their clientele.
Conclusion
The journey of Pet Tech is a powerful reminder that monumental industry transformations often begin with a simple, courageous question. By turning curiosity into action, Thom Somes and the Pet Tech community have redefined what it means to be a responsible pet parent.
As the organization marches steadily past its 170,000-student milestone on the road to preventing one million ER visits, its core philosophy remains as resonant as ever: empowering individuals with knowledge, fostering a deep respect for animal life, and improving the quality of pets’ lives—one pet parent at a time.
