June 04, 2025
But ask any vet who's dealt with a clinic flood, a crashed server, or a surprise tornado warning mid-surgery—they'll tell you: the unexpected doesn't call ahead.
Truth is, emergencies in veterinary clinics don't always look like fire trucks and sirens. Sometimes it's a burst pipe. Sometimes it's a power outage with two dentals still on the schedule. And sometimes, it's something more serious—an angry client, a data breach, or even an animal emergency that spirals fast.
So here's the big question: If something went wrong today… would your clinic know what to do?
Let's walk through the basics of emergency prep—not with fear, but with good old-fashioned planning. Because keeping calm when things go wrong? That's not luck. That's preparation.
1. Power & Technology Outages
These happen more than we like to admit—especially in storm season or rural spots where the grid's a little shaky.
Ask yourself:
· Do we have a battery backup (UPS) for critical equipment?
· Can our staff still check patients in if the software goes down?
· Are client and patient records backed up, either off-site or to the cloud?
· Do we know how to contact our IT support fast?
Tip: Keep a few paper forms in a drawer—intake, consent, SOAP notes—just in case.
2. Weather & Natural Disasters
In Central Kentucky, we see our fair share of tornado watches, ice storms, and flash floods. You don't need a bunker, but you do need a plan.
Every clinic should have:
· A designated shelter area for staff, clients, and animals
· Emergency contact info posted where everyone can see it
· A backup plan for temperature-sensitive medications if the power fails
· A go-bag (we'll talk more about that in the checklist)
Tip: Run a yearly weather drill. Make it simple. Practice matters more than perfection.
3. Data Security & Online Threats
If your clinic keeps client and patient info digitally (and who doesn't these days?), then you've got to treat it like a vault—even if it's just stored on a laptop.
In Kentucky, clinics are responsible for protecting the privacy and security of patient records, even when stored electronically. So that means:
· Using secure passwords and two-factor logins
· Keeping your software updated and patched
· Backing up files daily, ideally to a cloud-based solution
· Training staff not to click on sketchy emails (because phishing is real)
Tip: Assign one person to be the data watchdog—someone who checks backups and keeps your systems tight.
4. Client & Staff Safety
It's rare, but it happens—an aggressive dog gets loose, a client becomes threatening, or a medical emergency hits a staff member.
You need:
· A clear evacuation route (posted and reviewed)
· Basic first aid supplies and AED if possible
· A code word or phrase your team can use when they need quiet help ("Hey, can you grab the blue folder from the back?")
· A way to lock rooms or control flow during tense situations
Tip: Don't be afraid to talk this stuff through. It's not paranoia—it's leadership.
5. Staff Shortages & Backup Planning
What happens if two techs call out, your relief vet's running late, and you've got a packed morning?
Every clinic should:
· Cross-train staff where possible
· Keep a "skeleton crew" plan—which roles are absolutely essential to stay open?
· Have a list of reliable relief vets or temp techs in your network
· Know when to reschedule vs. power through
Tip: Your team is your lifeline. Protect them from burnout by planning for the unexpected.
Bottom Line
Emergencies aren't about if—they're about when. And when something goes sideways, the clinics that do best aren't always the biggest or fanciest. They're the ones that had a plan.
So take the time to walk your team through these scenarios. Print out the checklist below. Tape it to the fridge, the back office wall, or your breakroom coffee maker.
Because when it comes to keeping your clinic—and your people—safe, a little preparation goes a long way.
Want a free copy of this checklist for your client? Click here to download!
Click Here Or Give Us A Call At 859-245-0582 To Book Your FREE Discovery Call
