The HSUS Emergency Services department is pleased to offer the following information about our training program in animal disaster response.
Registration Information:
Online Registration:
We now offer online registration for most of these classes. Visit Humane Society University for information about each course offering, a downloadable course brochure, and online registration. With a credit card, you may register online.
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.
Direct links to the appropriate Humane Society University registration will be provided on this page, below, when registration opens for each event.
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 (ICS); 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.
2008 DART Training Schedule: (Links will be provided here when registration opens for each event.)
February 1 to 3, 2008: New Port Richey, Fla.
March 1 to 3, 2008: Bedford, N.H.
April 11 to 13, 2008: Sarasota, Fla.
May 2 to 4, 2008: Augusta, Maine. Registration and more information
June 27 to 29, 2008: Gainesville, Fla. Registration and more information
July 9 to 11, 2008: Dayton, Ohio. Registration and more information
August 25 to 27, 2008: Phoenix, Ariz. Registration and more information
August 15 to 17, 2008: San Ramon, Calif. Registration and more information
October 7 to 9, 2008: Everett, Wash. Registration and more information
October 24 to 26, 2008: Salt Lake City, Utah. Registration and more information
November 7 to 9, 2008: Leesburg, Va. Registration and more information
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.
2008 EAS Training Schedule: (Links will be provided here when registration opens for each event.)
January 12 to 13, 2008: Waterford, Va.
February 23 to 24, 2008: Wichita, Ks.
March 29 to 30, 2008: Worcester, Mass.
April 5 to 6, 2008: Bedford, N.H.
July 26 to 27, 2008: Orange, Calif. Registration and more information
September 13 to 14, 2008: Gainesville, Fla. Registration and more information
September 17 to 18, 2008: Phoenix, Ariz. Registration and more information
November 11 to 12, 2008: Everett, Wash. Registration and more information
Please note:
Prior to registering for any class, please read our volunteer opportunities page to learn more about courses you can do at home to prepare yourself to be a disaster responder.
The Humane Society University's Volunteer Instructor Program
Already taken these courses and more? Want to help teach them?
Be part of the HSU volunteer instructor team! We need volunteers like you to help take these valuable courses nationwide.
For More Information:
For more information about a specific training, please use the links provided next to each training location and date.
If you are interested in
organizing a training in your area, please contact your
HSUS Regional Office or contact:
Humane Society University
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St. NW
Washington, DC 20037
Thank you for your interest and support, and please make sure your whole family is protected in times of disaster.
Updated April 26, 2008.
