Emergency Preparedness

UVDART is seeking assistance from veterinarians and vet techs to help with intake during emergencies.  If interested, please contact UVDART at [email protected].  Upper Valley Disaster Animal Response Team brochure. 

Dr. Erin Katribe's Presentation on Emergency Animal Sheltering - October 2023

 Are you prepared in case of an emergency or natural disaster?  

AVMA Disaster Preparedness for Veterinary Practices



Are you prepared to continue practicing in the aftermath of a disaster?  Disasters can occur at any time, in any place. Find out how to continue practicing veterinary medicine, continue paying your staff, and communicate with your clients.

 
Compendium of Veterinary Standard Precautions for Zoonotic Disease Prevention in Veterinary Personnel

This document includes the Model Infection Control Plan for Veterinary Practices, as developed by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV) Veterinary Infection Control Committee (VICC).
 
Other Resources

What does it cost to be prepared?
Sample Business Continuity Disaster Preparedness Plan
Sample Supply Check List
Sample Insurance Form
Sample Computer Inventory Form
 
How can I get involved?
VMAT (Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams)

VMAT's mission is to support the local veterinary community in whatever way necessary to help in a disaster. VMAT has the capability of setting up a full field hospital, and can provide medical care for pets, search and rescue dogs, livestock, wildlife and even zoo animals if the need arises. They may also be activated to assist with food safety concerns, zoonotic disease, terrorist events and toxicological problems.

VMATs are the only response teams recognized in the National Response Plan that provide veterinary medical treatment and address animal and public health issues resulting from natural, man-made, or any other type of disasters. VMATs are available to assist the USDA in the control, treatment, and eradication of animal disease outbreaks. VMATs must receive an invitation from the affected state in order to be deployed. The local governor may make a disaster declaration and submit a request for federal assistance. If the President then declares a disaster, federal resources are made available. It is at this point that a request for VMAT assistance can be made. If a State alone requests a VMAT, they will need to fund the response. If a Federal Disaster is declared, the Federal Government covers a large part of the cost.



Information on VMAT through the AVMA.