Citation

Dieckmann HG, Costa LRR, Madigan JE. Prehosp. Disaster Med. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Cambridge University Press)

DOI

10.1017/S1049023X20000965

PMID

32723414

Abstract

Standardization of operating guidelines for veterinary care in evacuation and emergency animal shelters is imperative for an organized response and to facilitate treatment and prevention of medical conditions stemming from the effects of a disaster and the associated outcomes of sheltering. Safeguarding animal welfare through creating guidelines should expedite care, assure consistency, and provide appropriate safety measures for animals and veterinary medical providers. Veterinary integration into an incident command system (ICS) and response training allows for proper allocation of roles and responsibilities, as well as coordination of veterinary supplies and personnel. Central components of the operational model include guidelines for animal identification, triage, medical records, medical treatments, and discharge instructions. An outline for communication with disaster response agencies, as well as animal owners, is aimed to inform appropriate conduct. Improving the animal component of disaster response is integral in meeting societal needs and improving animal welfare in the face of a disaster.

Language: en

Keywords

animal shelter; disaster planning; emergency preparedness; veterinary medicine