May 11, 2011
National Disaster Animal Response Team
Disaster training information
The HSUS Emergency Services department offers an extensive training program in animal disaster response.
- Registration information
- Illegal Animal Fighting course description and training dates & locations
- Animal First Aid for Disaster Responders
- Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) course description and training dates & locations
- Emergency Animal Sheltering (EAS) course description and training dates & locations
- The Humane Society University's Volunteer Instructor Program
- Organizing a training in your community
- For more information
Registration information
Online registration
We offer convenient online registration for most of our Humane Society University animal disaster classes. Visit Humane Society University for information about each course offering, a downloadable course brochure, and online registration. You may register online, using a credit card.
To find class and registration information about the HSUS disaster courses, click on "On-site Workshops;" then enter "disaster" in the course search field, and click on "go." The currently available classes will be listed.
Registration by mail or fax
Follow the link to Humane Society University, and print the brochure for the course you are interested in. Then mail it with your payment (check or credit card) to the address shown on the brochure.
NDART Courses
Illegal animal fighting training
In recent years, we have seen an increase in animal fighting, both in urban settings and in rural areas. To combat this trend, HSU provides this valuable training to law enforcement, criminal justice, and animal care professionals. This course builds on basic knowledge of Illegal Animal Fighting, to include: the link to domestic violence; conducting undercover investigations; search warrants; performing investigations and recognizing and logging evidence at an arrest or raid; disposition of confiscated animals; preparing a case for court; knowing, interpreting, and applying the law; and internet investigation of animal fighting. Learn more»
2011 illegal animal fighting training schedule
September 15, 2011: Houston, Tex.
September 16, 2011: San Antonio, Tex.
Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) training
This three-day introductory course covers these key topics: introduction to animals in disaster; the emergency management system; disaster preparedness for individuals and households, animal facilities, and communities; the Incident Command System; legal issues; communications; and teamwork. Other major topics covered include community animal needs/damage assessment; team response and procedures; animal care and handling; emergency animal shelters; equipment; and responder health and safety, including stress management. Table-top exercises will give students the chance to use and combine the skills learned during the training, including implementing ICS; communications; equipment; damage assessment; establishing and organizing a response; working with the media; responding to changing needs; and managing disaster resources including volunteers. Learn more»
2011 DART training schedule
October 7 to 9, 2011: Champaign, Ill.
Emergency Animal Sheltering (EAS) training
This two-day course explores the methods for sheltering animals affected by disaster. The course includes key topics such as selecting a location and setting up an emergency animal shelter; implementation of the ICS; the needs of various animals; logistics; health and safety of the disaster responders and the animals in their care; and teamwork. The class includes table-top exercises so students can practice what they have learned throughout the class. Learn more»
2011 EAS training schedule
Registration is now open for those marked with an asterisk (*):
October 1 to 2, 2011: Novi, Mich.
October 29 to 30, 2011: Champaign, Ill.
Animal first aid for disaster responders
No animal first aid courses are currently scheduled. Please contact us to arrange a class.
Please note:
Prior to registering for any class, please read our volunteer opportunities page to learn more about online emergency response courses you should take at home to prepare yourself to be an animal rescue responder.
The Humane Society University's Volunteer Instructor Program (VIP)
Already taken these courses and more? Have a passion for sharing your enthusiasm and knowledge of animal rescue issues? Want to help teach others?
Be part of the HSU volunteer instructor team! We need volunteers like you to help take these valuable courses nationwide.
For more information about a specific training, please use the links provided below each list of trainings.
Interested in hosting a Disaster/Emergency Services training? For DART or EAS courses, download the Information Packet and Application [PDF] now. Contact us for more information about hosting Disaster/Emergency Services workshops.
If you are interested in organizing a training in your area, please contact your HSUS State Office or contact:
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St. NW
Washington, DC 20037
