June is National Pet Preparedness Month—an initiative that began in the United States but resonates globally, as climate events, natural disasters, and infrastructure disruptions can occur anywhere. Whether you operate a pet-care business in the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K., or elsewhere, one thing remains constant: Pets are family, and preparing for their safety during an emergency is essential.
For dog daycares, boarding facilities, groomers, and kennels, this month offers an opportunity to lead with compassion and competence, as our furry, feathered, and clawed companions rely on us to protect them. While every region faces different types of risks—wildfires in Southern Europe, typhoons in Southeast Asia, floods in the U.K., and power outages in North America—the principles of preparedness and client communication are universal.
By focusing on clear planning, thoughtful communication, and practical tools, your business can protect the animals in your care and offer pet parents something invaluable: peace of mind.
Here are five practical, globally relevant ways to support your clients and enhance safety this June (and throughout the rest of the year).
1. Build a Pet Emergency Plan Together
Emergencies like fires, floods, earthquakes, and power outages can strike with little warning. Having a detailed plan not only helps protect the animals in your care, it also reassures clients that you’re prepared for the unexpected.
Start by identifying the risks most likely to occur in your area. For example, pet-care providers in hurricane-prone regions may focus on evacuation routes and shelter access, while businesses in earthquake zones might prioritize structural safety and quick escape procedures.
A solid emergency plan should include:
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Evacuation procedures: Where will pets be taken in an emergency? Do you have transportation options ready?
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Staff roles: Who is responsible for each step of the plan—communicating with pet parents, securing animals, transporting supplies, etc.?
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Backup contacts: Who can step in if a key team member is unavailable?
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Communication protocols: How will you reach clients quickly and reliably?
Encourage clients to create or update their own home emergency plans by offering printed guides, digital checklists, or even an in-person pet-safety workshop. When pet parents see that your business is aligned with their safety goals and care about their pets around the clock, it builds trust and loyalty.
2. Prepare a Pet Emergency Kit
Every facility should maintain one or more emergency supply kits that can be quickly accessed or taken on the go. This is not only best practice—it’s also something that clients will notice and appreciate.
Your emergency kit(s) should include:
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Food and water (minimum 3-day supply for each pet)
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Collars with ID tags, leashes, harnesses, and secure carriers
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First aid supplies (bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, gloves, etc.)
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Vet contact information and medical history documents
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Recent photos of each animal in case of separation
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Medications and feeding instructions
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Familiar items like toys or blankets to reduce stress
For added value, you can offer clients the option to purchase branded take-home emergency kits from your business or partner with local suppliers to offer a community discount. You could also provide seasonal reminders to check and refresh the contents of these kits.
Emergency kits should be inspected regularly and updated as needed, especially if your business experiences frequent animal turnover.
3. Train Staff in Pet First Aid
Having emergency supplies is one thing, but knowing how to use them is another. Your team should be trained in basic pet first aid so they can respond confidently in situations that require immediate care.
Encourage staff to complete an online course, such as the American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid Training or an equivalent program available in your region. Many veterinary associations and animal welfare organizations offer certifications worldwide.
Topics typically include:
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How to perform CPR on dogs and cats
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Managing wounds, bleeding, and broken bones
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Recognizing heatstroke, dehydration, or poisoning
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Handling choking and seizures
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When and how to safely transport injured pets
Displaying your team’s certifications in your facility, website, or social media reinforces your commitment to animal safety and care.
Pro Tip: Post the contact details of the nearest 24/7 veterinary clinic in all rooms and provide staff with easy access to this information in both printed and digital forms. Emergencies don’t wait, and having this info on hand can make a life-saving difference.
4. Keep Pet Parents Informed—Always
When disaster strikes, pet parents want answers. Having a clear and transparent communication strategy can help calm nerves and foster goodwill.
Start by sharing your emergency procedures upfront. Include them in onboarding materials, display them in your facility, and post them online. This kind of visibility shows clients that you’re proactive and prepared.
During an emergency, communication tools may include:
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WhatsApp groups or Slack channels
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Updates via your business’s social media accounts
Assign a team member to manage communications during any disruption so information stays accurate and consistent.
After an incident, follow up with personalized messages to reassure pet parents that their animals are safe and cared for. Include photos or notes about the animal’s behavior or health and invite feedback on how the situation was handled.
Clear communication is more than a logistical necessity—it’s a form of care.
5. Share Tips All Month Long
Pet Preparedness Month is the perfect time to start (or enhance) your role as a thought leader in pet safety. Consider sharing weekly marketing content throughout June that helps educate and empower your clients.
Ideas include:
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Social media posts with “Tip of the Week” graphics
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Blog articles about seasonal safety (e.g., summer heat, wildfires, etc.)
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Printable pet emergency checklist handouts
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Giveaways for branded first aid kits or emergency gear
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Q&A sessions with local veterinarians or animal rescue teams
These initiatives position your business as knowledgeable and compassionate. They also provide shareable resources that your clients can pass along to others in the community.
If you operate internationally, consider tailoring your advice to local emergency types, pet-care norms, and resources. For example, promote apps or tools developed by your region’s emergency services or veterinary networks. In the UK, for instance, the RSPCA provides useful online tools. Share links or QR codes so clients can find the right information quickly.
A Little Preparedness Goes a Long Way
Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. By taking proactive steps to train your staff, prepare your space, and communicate openly with clients, you create a safer, more trusting environment for everyone.
Your business has the opportunity to shine as a leader in pet preparedness, not just as a care provider but also as a community partner. Demonstrate that you're thinking one step ahead, and your clients will thank you for it. And if you need the right tools to support your team's success, Revelation Pets has you covered. Try us free for 30 days!