Helping Animals in Disaster via the NACA Disaster Database

Last year, national animal welfare organizations across the country came together to talk about how they might work together to better plan and respond to disasters that affect animals. The National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARCS) was formed and has worked together holding meetings across the country in each participating organization’s home office state. The formulation of this group was unprecedented, and resulted in open and honest discussion between national organizations. Discussion at the meetings has ranged from how to prepare for future disaster events to how to work together and resolve differences.

Representatives from these organizations agreed to work with each other on equal terms with equal voices, acknowledging our different resource capabilities. Members have shared ideas, formulated plans, participated in training, met with key federal government personnel with regard to resource typing, the PETS act, and other organization characteristics and concerns relating to disaster response. The Coalition has become nationally recognized as a voice and has been called upon to work with federal agencies and give input. NACA representatives have been a part of the Coalition since the beginning and feel we have opened up communication and new opportunities for our members through our involvement.

National Animal Control Association Disaster Database (DDB)

As a Coalition member, NACA has offered to maintain a new Disaster Database. The idea of the Disaster Database is to maintain, in one location, an accessible list of trained individuals who may be called upon to respond to disasters when they occur. When disasters strike, it is imperative that resources be available to local, state, or federal entities that may need assistance. With this database, we will be able to have access to trained personnel and know what special certification, training or experience they possess. The database will also provide us with an idea of what equipment they may be able to provide. The Disaster Database will be accessible by NACA only. Entities with the authority to request personnel or other resources in the event of a declared disaster, generally through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact or EMAC, will have access to Database information through NACA personnel.

As a member of the Coalition, NACA will adhere to the following Code of Conduct:

National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition

Code of Conduct

The National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (Coalition) is comprised of the following agencies: American Humane Association, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Best Friends Animal Society, Code 3 Associates, The Humane Society of the United States, International Fund for Animal Welfare, National Animal Control Association, Society for Animal Welfare Administrators, and United Animal Nations.

The mission of the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition is to identify, prioritize, and find collaborative solutions to major human-animal emergency issues.

The Coalition recognizes that the environment in which we work is complex and unique. Therefore, the members have established the following standards of integrity as well as professional and ethical conduct that we are expected to maintain. Each of the agencies listed above will be responsible for monitoring compliance within their organizations and agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct:

So How Can You Help?

NACA is looking for Disaster Database applicants. We ask that all applicants read and agree with the intent of the Code of Conduct and that you submit an application making sure to complete the application in its entirety. Please send copies of certifications with your application. Do not send originals as they will not be returned. NOTE: If you filled out an application at the NACA annual conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, please complete and resubmit a new application and attached proof of your certifications. Examples of certification and training may include the following or others; ICS/NIMS Certification, swift water, high and low angle rope, boat safety, forklift operator, Animal Control Academies, DART, animal sheltering, large or small animal handling, first aid, CPR, technical animal rescue, shelter management, animal care technician, veterinary license, etc.

Click here to download the Disaster Database Application and begin the process.

This file is available in Adobe Acrobat Format (pdf). You must have a copy of Adobe Acrobat installed on your computer to view and print this file.

To obtain a free copy of Adobe Acrobat, please go here:

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