Wildlife rehab organizations play a crucial role in caring for animals who have experienced crisis, whether due to injury or displacement. But it’s not just the animal population that can experience crisis; unforeseen disasters can strike at the rehab facility itself.
Sometimes, these events are external in nature, like a natural disaster or a disease outbreak. At other times, these are self-inflicted crisis; think a mishap at the facility, or an executive leader whose personal scandal becomes a media firestorm engulfing the whole organization.
Such incidents can imperil the mission, the reputation and the funding of any wildlife rehab organization, which is why it’s important to be prepared. Retaining a wildlife rehab public relations agency can be one of the best, most proactive ways to minimize these risks.
How an animal rehab PR agency can help
While crises can’t always be avoided, partnering with a PR agency makes it possible to get ahead of them, both mediating potential peril and ensuring there is a crisis response plan ready to deploy swiftly and decisively.
An agency with experience in the animal welfare space can provide value in more ways than one:
- Conducting a risk assessment. PR agencies with industry-specific experience can audit the organization for potential vulnerabilities, identifying them before they boil over into full-on crises. By flagging weak points early, organizations can put mitigation strategies in place, whether that means safety protocols, staff training or simply a clear chain of command for crisis response.
- Building a crisis communication plan. When something goes wrong, the way an organization communicates can determine whether they lose public trust or strengthen it. A PR agency can develop a crisis communication plan tailored to any wildlife rehab organization. This typically includes pre-approved messaging templates, media response protocols and a list of key spokespeople. Having these resources ready enables a quick, consistent response should disaster strike.
- Providing media training. Even the most passionate animal advocates can feel overwhelmed when faced with reporters, especially in the midst of a crisis. PR agencies often provide media training for staff and leadership, helping them deliver clear, compassionate and fact-based messaging under pressure.
Ensure crisis readiness. Partner with an animal rehab PR agency
For wildlife rehab organizations, crisis readiness isn’t optional; it’s essential. At Orange Orchard, we have a proven track record helping animal welfare organizations fulfill their mission and uphold their reputation. Learn more: Contact us online or call us at (865) 977-1973.