It is the mission of the Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams to assist the local veterinary community with the care of animals and to provide veterinary oversight and advice concerning animal related issues and public health during a disaster or following a request from an appropriate agency.

Photo by: Donna Jolly (Click on image for larger picture.)

VMAT-1 is based in New England, though members reside around the country. The team consists of 60 highly trained members which include veterinarians, technicians, a pharmacist, a mental health professional and support personnel. Our team carries all necessary supplies, medical equipment, tents, and enough food and water to sustain the team members for at least 72 hours. Our mission is to support the local veterinary community in whatever way necessary to help it to resume its normal support of the community. VMAT-1 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. We 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.

Any state that is interested in establishing a relationship with VMAT can contact the AVMA Assistance Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response at 800-248-2862 ext. 6632 for more information.

For more information about the formation and responsibilities of VMAT, please visit the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Interested in joining VMAT-1? For more information, please contact our administrative officer Lyn T. Garson, CVT.

Anyone who is interested in a PowerPoint presentation by a VMAT member should contact Dr. Robin Brennen.