ID
1-508-1224
Name
Animal Search and Rescue Team
Status
Published
Version
1.6
Updated
11/15/2019 6:21:57 PM
Original Release
06/19/2018
Last Major Release
11/15/2019
Description
The Animal Search and Rescue Team locates, stabilizes, extricates, and evacuates animals in a disaster environment
Resource Category
Animal Emergency Response
Primary Core Capability
Mass Search and Rescue Operations
Secondary Core Capability
 
Resource Kind
Team
Overall Function
This team: 1. Coordinates and collaborates with other animal emergency response teams, as necessary 2. Coordinates and plans animal search and rescue efforts 3. Locates, captures, and contains displaced animals within the disaster zone 4. Prepares animals for transport 5. Identifies animals, documents rescue location, and records other relevant data to facilitate reunification with owners 6. Coordinates live trapping and chemical capture as necessary 7. Triages rescued animals for appropriate transport methods to prevent disease and mitigate medical and behavioral issues 8. Performs the above duties for one or more of the following populations: a. Companion animals, including pets, service animals, and assistance animals b. Livestock, including food or fiber animals and domesticated equine species c. Wildlife, captive wildlife, or zoo animals d. Laboratory animals
Composition and Ordering Specifications
1. Discuss logistics for deploying this team, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation, and meals, prior to deployment 2. Discuss provision/acquisition of necessary supplies and equipment, such as restraint/control and capture equipment 3. Requestor specifies competency areas necessary based on animal population 4. Requestor orders additional Animal Search and Rescue Technician(s), Animal Control/Humane Officer(s), or Animal Care and Handling Specialist(s) to increase team capacity based on incident 5. Requestor makes provisions for veterinary care based on mission requirements
Supporting Core Capabilities
None
Components
Component Notes  
MINIMUM PERSONNEL PER TEAMNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 126
Type 28
Type 34
MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT PERSONNEL PER TEAMFor Type 3 teams, any team member having completed ICS 300 may function as team leader, or the existing chain of command provides management and oversight at the requestor’s discretion.
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: 4 – National Incident Management System (NIMS) Type 1 Animal Emergency Response Team Leader who is also a certified NIMS Type 3 Animal Search and Rescue Technician
Type 21 – NIMS Type 1 Animal Emergency Response Team Leader who is also a certified NIMS Type 3 Animal Search and Rescue Technician
Type 3Not Specified
SUPPORT PERSONNEL PER TEAM1. A NIMS Type 2 Animal Care and Handling Specialist or NIMS Type 1 Animal Control/Humane Officer can replace a NIMS Type 3 Animal Search and Rescue Technician only on a Type 3 team. 2. Type 1 teams typically split into four subordinate teams.
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: 4 – NIMS Type 1 Animal Search and Rescue Technician 9 – NIMS Type 2 or Type 3 Animal Search and Rescue Technician 1 – NIMS Type 2 Veterinarian
Type 27 – NIMS Type 2 Animal Search and Rescue Technician
Type 31 – NIMS Type 3 Animal Search and Rescue Technician 3 – NIMS Type 2 Animal Care and Handling Specialist, NIMS Type 1 Animal Control/Humane Officer, or NIMS Type 3 Animal Search and Rescue Technician
Search and Rescue Capability Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Can execute advanced rescue operations, such as high- and low-angle and swiftwater rescue
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: Can perform water-based rescue and can use land- and water-based navigation technology to locate and geo-reference displaced animals
Type 3Land-based search and rescue only
Search and Rescue Capacity Per TeamRequestor may order additional single resources to augment team if necessary, based on number of animals.
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Responds to multiple jurisdictions, with multiple geographic areas, and manages approximately 50 companion animals or 25 livestock per 12-hour shift; may provide overall management and coordination remotely
Type 2Responds to a single jurisdiction with multiple geographic areas (or a single large, complex site) and manages approximately 24 animals per 12-hour shift
Type 3Responds to a single jurisdiction, manages a single area, and manages approximately 12 animals per 12-hour shift
Electronics Equipment Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2, PLUS: Systems to input and transmit animal data to Animal Evacuation, Transport, and Re-Entry Team and Animal Sheltering Teams
Type 2Same as Type 3, PLUS: GPS
Type 3Digital cameras
Animal Handling Equipment Per TeamNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 3Animal capture and handling equipment specific to the population served
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Equipment Per Team MemberThe following regulation addresses PPE: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.132: Personal Protective Equipment.
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 3PPE is mission specific and may vary by work environment; it includes: 1. Protective footwear 2. Protective clothing for skin exposure 3. Eye and ear protection 4. Respirators 5. Gloves 6. Masks 7. Protective headgear
Communications Equipment Per Team MemberNot Specified
Component Types
Type Attribute
Type 1Same as Type 2
Type 2Same as Type 3
Type 31. Two-way portable radio 2. Cell phone
839
Notes
References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 508: Animal Evacuation, Transport, and Re-entry Team
FEMA, NIMS 508: Animal Sheltering Team – Animal-Only Shelter
FEMA, NIMS 508: Animal Sheltering Team – Cohabitated Shelter
FEMA, NIMS 508: Animal Sheltering Team – Collocated Shelter
FEMA, NIMS 508: Veterinary Medical Team
FEMA, NIMS 509: Animal Care and Handling Specialist
FEMA, NIMS 509: Animal Control/Humane Officer
FEMA, NIMS 509: Animal Emergency Response Team Leader
FEMA, NIMS 509: Animal Search and Rescue Technician
FEMA, NIMS 509: Veterinarian
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.132: Personal Protective Equipment, latest edition adopted
National Alliance of State Animal and Agricultural Emergency Programs (NASAAEP) Best Practices for Animal Search and Rescue Training, latest published edition