In the last few years, we have seen numerous natural disasters that have devastated areas globally. From wildfires and earthquakes to hurricanes and tornadoes, natural disasters can happen anywhere. It pays to make plans regardless of where you are. Whether it's a fire, flood, or power outage, dog daycares and kennels need to prepare for anything.
Emergency planning prepares you to keep your staff and the pets in your care safe during an emergency. Whether you're evacuating or able to board in emergency dog kennels, with a proper plan in place, you'll be equipped to react to a crisis quickly and appropriately.
In an emergency, the toughest challenge is moving all pets in your care to a safe place. Even if you have a warning and can contact pet parents to pick up their pets, you will likely have to evacuate pets from your facility. It is costly to evacuate a dog daycare and kennel, even if you are evacuating a small number of pets.
Cover your losses by including an evacuation clause if a pet isn't picked up in your customer agreement. An evacuation charge should be several hundred dollars or more to cover travel, hotels, food, staff, etc.
Plan how you will transport animals in the case of an emergency. If you do not have access to a van, trailer, or RV, plan by asking your network if you can borrow transportation in case of an emergency.
When deciding where to go, the strength is in numbers and the power of the community. Contact pet-care centers within a two-hour radius to work together in an emergency. Sharing resources and space can save money and create a safer environment for pets and staff.
There are several things you can do in advance to make your evacuation quick:
In addition, some dog boarding facilities offer emergency dog kennels and services that operate around the clock. Emergency dog boarding services are critical when pet parents are unable to retrieve their pets or need a safe location for them during an unexpected crisis. Pet-care providers should identify nearby emergency boarding options and include them in their emergency response plan.
Veterinary hospitals, especially those open 24 hours, often accept dogs for emergency boarding. Building a relationship with these facilities in advance can create more options during a disaster. Some boarding facilities actively advertise their ability to accept dogs for emergency boarding, offering clients peace of mind and dog daycare operators additional resources.
A quick, organized departure helps staff stay calm amidst the chaos and move quickly. Keep your checklists with your emergency kit in an easy-to-find place. Below, we've included emergency planning checklist templates to make sure you have everything you need.
Your emergency plan should include a communication plan for your employees and customers, so everyone knows what's happening. Include:
Designate who is communicating with customers and employees
Pet-care business software helps you plan and communicate with staff and customers. With Revelation Pets, you can store all of your customers' information in one place. The email tool is the perfect place to create messages and templates and have them ready when you need them. Emergency planning could be the difference between life and death for your staff and the pets in your care. Preparation is the best way to ensure a quick and safe experience during any emergency.
Emergency dog kennels are specialized boarding facilities or designated spaces within existing kennels that provide immediate, short-term care for dogs in unexpected or urgent situations. These services are designed to accommodate pets on short notice, often outside of normal business hours, and they play a vital role during personal or community-wide emergencies.
Immediate Availability
Emergency kennels accept dogs without prior reservation, often 24/7. This flexibility allows pet parents to secure care for their pets during unforeseen events like hospitalizations, house fires, or sudden evacuations.
Short-Term, Flexible Stays
While standard boarding might require advance bookings for specific dates, emergency dog kennels offer hourly, overnight, or multi-day stays depending on the nature of the crisis.
Health and Safety Protocols
These facilities typically have strict health screening, sanitation, and stress-reduction protocols in place. Staff are trained to recognize signs of distress or illness and to act quickly.
Veterinary Support
Many emergency dog kennels are connected to or located within 24-hour veterinary hospitals, allowing for medical supervision and treatment if needed.
Staffing and Security
Emergency kennels often provide round-the-clock staffing, surveillance, and secure housing to ensure pets are safe and monitored at all times.
Disaster-Responsive Services
In the event of natural disasters (wildfires, hurricanes, etc.), emergency kennels may offer temporary shelter to displaced pets, partnering with rescue agencies and community resources.
Opening an emergency dog kennel is a serious undertaking that requires specialized resources, staffing, infrastructure, and a mindset focused on crisis management. While these facilities serve a critical need, they are not a fit for every pet-care business.
Certain types of businesses are naturally suited to offering emergency boarding. Veterinary clinics and 24-hour animal hospitals, for instance, already have the medical infrastructure, trained staff, and crisis protocols to accommodate animals in distress. Established boarding facilities with ample space and trained employees are also well-positioned, as they can quickly adapt their operations to handle unscheduled arrivals and after-hours emergencies.
Pet hotels located in disaster-prone regions—such as those vulnerable to wildfires, hurricanes, or floods—may find that offering emergency dog kennel services is a community service and a smart extension of their business.
Operators with training in emergency response are especially valuable in this space; their ability to manage high-pressure situations calmly ensures both pets and their handlers are handled with care and competence. Municipal animal shelters and control agencies are also excellent candidates, as they’re often called upon to support underserved populations during emergencies and may be eligible for government funding or disaster relief programs.
On the flip side, some providers should avoid offering emergency services. New or understaffed businesses typically lack the resources and experience required to manage urgent, high-stress situations safely. Similarly, solo pet sitters or home-based boarders may find themselves overwhelmed by the volume and intensity of emergency care, not to mention the zoning and liability complications that can arise.
Operating an emergency kennel also requires full-time availability. Businesses that cannot provide 24/7 service or immediate response capabilities may unintentionally create more harm than help. Lastly, providers who are primarily motivated by profit may find the demands of emergency care far exceed the financial return—compassion, not commerce, must be the driving force behind this kind of service.
For those genuinely committed to offering emergency boarding, preparation is key. Operators should conduct a community needs assessment, establish intake and health protocols, secure proper insurance, and ensure all staff are trained in animal behavior, first aid, and crisis response. Partnering with local veterinary hospitals and emergency services further strengthens a facility’s readiness. When done with care and intention, emergency dog kennels can become a beacon of safety, offering comfort and continuity in the moments that matter most.
Remember: Not every emergency is related to a natural disaster. Sometimes, pet parents have unexpected emergencies—hospitalizations, accidents, or sudden travel—that prevent them from caring for their pets. Emergency dog kennels and boarding facilities play a critical role in providing quick, reliable care in these situations.
As mentioned, some boarding facilities are specifically designed to accommodate last-minute arrivals and offer 24/7 staff availability. This level of readiness is essential for any pet lover facing a sudden crisis. If your facility can offer such services, make arrangements to include emergency intake protocols and staff training to manage high-stress situations calmly and safely.
Training staff to monitor pets for signs of stress or illness is key. Emergency scenarios can exacerbate anxiety in pets, so it's essential that your team is equipped to handle emotional and physical needs. Pet hotels and emergency boarding facilities with well-trained staff can significantly improve pets' adjustment to a temporary stay.
As part of emergency preparedness, it is vital for pet parents and kennel operators alike to understand the health and safety protocols in place. Ask questions such as:
Your clients should also monitor local emergency news and updates during disasters. Conditions can change quickly, and timely information can be crucial when deciding whether to evacuate, shelter in place, or make arrangements for emergency dog boarding.
Ultimately, emergency planning isn't just about logistics; it's about building trust. Pet parents rely on boarding facilities to provide consistent care, no matter what. By incorporating emergency boarding services, partnerships with veterinary hospitals, and transparent safety procedures, you demonstrate your commitment to the health and well-being of every pet in your care.
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