Since 1995, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health has worked closely with the Indiana State Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to prepare the state for a wide array of disaster situations that could impact pets, livestock, wildlife and exotic species, as well as their owners.
Countless hours of joint planning resulted in a new master plan that addresses the needs of animals and their owners within Indiana's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. The Animal Health and Care Emergency Support Function outlines the procedures for handling two general categories of situations: health- or disease-related emergencies and natural or man-made disasters.
Ready-Pet-Go Kit
Animal owners are encouraged to prepare for natural and man-made disasters by taking measures, which include prepare a "Go Kit", make plans for evacuating animals, and make plans for sheltering animals in place. A "Go Kit" includes items your pets or livestock will need if you need to evacuate.
Prepare a Ready Pet Go Kit
Indiana's Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (VMRC)
Want to make a difference in your community for animals and their owners? Volunteer to be part of Indiana’s Veterinary Medical Response Corps (VMRC).
Indiana: Leading the Way in Planning for Animals
In 1995, Indiana became the first state in the nation to include animals as part of the state's official emergency management plan for floods, tornadoes and other large-scale disasters. What began as the SAVE (State Annex for Veterinary Emergencies) program evolved into the Animal Surveillance Emergency Response Team (ASERT) to address needs for high-consequence animal health emergencies. Today Indiana maintains a registered Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (VMRC) that supports coordination of efforts to evacuate, rescue, treat and shelter animals in distress.
Indiana's Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (VMRC)
Animal Issues in Disasters Training Course
The Animal Issues in Disasters course is a one-day course taught by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health staff to train local officials, first responders and potential volunteers about planning and response for animals during disasters.
Learn more at: www.in.gov/boah/disaster-preparedness-overview/animal-issues-in-disasters-course/