The HSUS Emergency Services department offers an extensive 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 below when registration opens for each event.
NEW! Animal First Aid for Disaster Responders course
The Humane Society's Emergency Services department and Humane Society University (HSU) are introducing a new course, "Animal First Aid for Disaster Responders." If you are interested in hosting this two-day course, please visit our informational site at HSU. (More information about Animal First Aid for Disaster Responders)
We are happy to announce the first presentation of this course!
Registration is now open for those marked: *
*August 29 to 30, 2009: Naples, Fla. (More information and online registration)
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.
2009 DART Training Schedule:
Registration is now open for those marked: *
January 9 to 11, 2009: Memphis, Tenn.
January 16 to 18, 2009: Fresno, Calif.
January 23 to 25, 2009: Louisville, Ky.
February 6 to 8, 2009: Nashville, Tenn.
Feb. 27 to March 1, 2009: Cedar Rapids, Ia.
March 6 to 8, 2009: Portland, Ore.
March 13 to 15, 2009: Laconia, N.H.
April 24 to 26, 2009: Cream Ridge, N.J.
May 1 to 3, 2009: Independence, Mo.
May 29 to 31, 2009: Palatine, Ill.
*August 15 to 17, 2009: Nova Scotia (Information and online registration)
*September 14 to 16, 2009: Cheyenne, Wyo. (Information and online registration)
*September 18 to 20, 2009: Fargo, N.D. (Information and online registration)
*October 12 to 14, 2009: Corpus Christi, Tex. (Information and online registration)
*October 19 to 21, 2009: Raleigh, N.C. (Information and online registration)
*October 23 to 25, 2009: Madison, Wisc. (Information and online registration)
*November 6 to 8, 2009: Boise, Ida. (Information and online regiustration)
*November 13 to 15, 2009: Denver, Colo. (Information and online registration)
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.
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.
2009 EAS Training Schedule:
Registration is now open for those marked: *
February 21 to 22, 2009: Largo, Fla.
March 28 to 29, 2009: Windsor, Conn.
May 16 to 17, 2009: Rochester, Minn.
June 18 to 19, 2009: Louisville, Ky.
June 27 to 29,2009: Davis, Calif.
*July 18 to 19, 2009: Baltimore, Md. (Information and online registration)
*August 7 to 8, 2009: Plover, Wisc. (Information and online registration)
*August 22 to 23, 2009: Knoxville, Tenn. (Information and online registration)
*September 11 to 12, 2009: Augusta, Me. (Information and online registration)
November 2009 (date TBD): Chicago, Ill.
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.
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 below each list of trainings.
Interested in hosting a Disaster/Emergency Services training? For DART or EAS courses, download the Information Packet and Application now. We are currently booked through December 2009; please contact us soon with your application to reserve your dates in 2010. 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 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 June 2009
