ID
1-509-1332
Name
Animal Care and Handling Specialist
Status
Published
Version
1.7
Updated
4/18/2024 4:16:43 PM
Original Release
06/19/2018
Last Major Release
 
NQS Position
Resource Category
Animal Emergency Response
Primary Core Capability
Mass Care Services
Secondary Core Capability
 
Resource Kind
Personnel
Overall Function
The Animal Care and Handling Specialist provides proper care and handling of animals in one or more of the following competency areas: 1. Companion animals, including pets, service animals, and assistance animals 2. Livestock, including food or fiber animals and domesticated equine species 3. Wildlife animals, captive wildlife, and zoo animals 4. Laboratory animals
Single resource
In conjunction with a NIMS typed team
NIMS Typed Team
such as an Animal Evacuation, Transport, and Re-Entry Team or an Animal Sheltering Team
In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit
NIMS Typed Unit
 
Description Notes
Not Specified
Supporting Core Capabilities
None
Types
Type Description
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: The Animal Care and Handling Specialist is capable of safe and humane handling of fractious, dangerous or difficult-to-handle animals. These animals typically exhibit body language and behaviors consistent with fear, extreme submission, aggression or attack directed at people or other animals. These animals may attempt to escape or resist capture or handling. In addition, uncastrated male livestock (including stallions, bulls, rams and boars) may present a much-elevated level of handling hazard. Certain species of animals, such as non-human primates, big cats and bears, are inherently dangerous and require specialized handling skills
Type 2The Animal Care and Handling Specialist: 1. Assesses basic animal behavior 2. Provides daily animal care and containment 3. Ensures appropriate animal sanitation and biosecurity protocols are upheld 4. Contributes to animal census
Components
Component Notes  
EducationNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Not Specified
Type 2Not Specified
TrainingThe NIMS Training Program defines a national baseline to guide and promote NIMS training. It provides recommendations to assist Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in developing their own training plans, tailored to their specific needs
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Completion of the following: 1. IS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-100 2. IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 3. IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction 4. IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction
ExperienceSpecific relevant experience could include current and prior demonstrated competency as an Animal Control/Humane Officer, Veterinary Assistant, laboratory animal technician, zookeeper or handler of dangerous animals at a livestock breeding facility
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Has a minimum of one year of regular, ongoing experience, with demonstrated ability to work with fractious, dangerous or difficult-to-handle animals; required skills include: 1. Behavioral assessment 2. Capture and containment 3. Basic daily care 4. Restraint for procedures 5. Safe and humane handling
Type 2Routinely demonstrates the ability to work with non-fractious animals; required skills include: 1. Behavioral assessment 2. Capture and containment 3. Basic daily care 4. Restraint for procedures 5. Safe and humane handling
Physical/Medical Fitness1. NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines Physical/Medical Fitness levels for NIMS positions 2. PPE is mission specific and may vary by working environment; it includes protective footwear, protective clothing for skin exposure, eye and ear protection, respirators, gloves and masks
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 21. Arduous 2. Is able to work while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 3. Maintains immunizations in accordance with current AHJ requirements
CurrencyNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Routinely performs animal care and handling duties with fractious, dangerous or difficult-to-handle animals in a congregate animal housing facility related to the species listed; or service commensurate with the mission
Type 2Routinely performs animal care and handling duties in a congregate animal housing facility related to the species listed; or service commensurate with the mission
Professional and Technical Licenses and CertificationsNot Specified
Component Types
Type Criteria
Type 1Not Specified
Type 2Not Specified
Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation, and meals, prior to deployment
The position typically works 12 hours per shift, is self-sustainable for 72 hours and is deployable up to 14 days
Requestor specifies competency areas necessary based on the animal population handled
For a Type 1 position, requestor specifies advanced specialty skill set(s) necessary
1587
Notes
References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 508: Animal Transport Team – Companion Animal
FEMA, NIMS 508: Animal Transport Team – Livestock
FEMA, NIMS 508: Animal Sheltering Team – Cohabitated Shelter
FEMA, NIMS 508: Animal Sheltering Team – Collocated Shelter
FEMA, NIMS 508: Animal Sheltering Team – Animal-Only Shelter
FEMA, NIMS 508: Animal Evacuation, Transport, and Re-Entry Team
FEMA, NIMS 508: Animal Search and Rescue Team
FEMA, NIMS 509: Animal Control/Humane Officer
FEMA, NIMS 509: Veterinary Assistant
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System, November 2017
FEMA, National Response Framework, October 2019
Published Versions
Version Publish Date Document Type
1.7 4/18/2024 4:16:43 PM PDF
1.6 11/14/2019 9:45:23 AM PDF
1.5 10/26/2018 2:21:46 PM PDF
1.4 10/25/2018 6:19:49 PM PDF
1.3 9/28/2018 5:17:52 PM PDF
1.2 6/19/2018 11:50:21 AM PDF
1.1 6/19/2018 9:50:39 AM PDF
1.0 6/18/2018 11:57:57 PM PDF