Maryland Department of Agriculture

Members of the Maryland Volunteer Veterinary Corps (MVVC) assist in responding to various emergencies involving animals. Emergencies are any situation which affects animals and is of a large enough scale to overwhelm the local ability to respond. For example, the Corps may be called to respond to an infectious disease outbreak. Whenever utilized members would become temporary State of Maryland employees and though not paid for their time, they would be covered by the State Tort acts for liability and for workman's compensation if injured on the job.

In addition to animal disease outbreaks, the Corps may have the opportunity to voluntarily respond to environmental disasters such as floods, fires, tornados and blizzards or other disasters such as radiological contamination or chemical spills.

Members may assist with animal care and treatment, evacuation, vaccination, specimen collection, decontamination, euthanasia, necrospy, collecting epidemiological information, supervisory or office support. Members may also be asked if the law allows at the time and the veterinarian is willing to provide some medical services to human patients such as vaccine administration.

Who Can Join the MVVC?
Veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary technicians, assistants and students who are willing to respond to emergencies involving animals make up the Corps.

Where would I respond?
The MVVC will be activated for emergencies within Maryland. If we are requested under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) by another state for veterinary corp resources you could be asked to serve in another state. If that occurs all your expenses will be paid.

When would I respond to an emergency?
Your participation in any emergency is strictly voluntary. Belonging to the Corps means that we have your contact information and can rapidly ask you if you can help.

Why should I join?
This is a unique opportunity to gain a different perspective and experience in veterinary medicine. The State of Maryland needs your help to be able to deal effectively with a large scale animal emergency. The experience you gain may be helpful to your career. As a member of the Corps, you will be provided training sessions to recognize and report suspect Foreign Animal Diseases and to prepare you to respond to emergencies.

How do I join?
Fill out the application online, or you can call us at (410) 841-5810. Our fax number is (410) 841-5999.

Other Resources

Disaster Information

Pet Friendly Shelters
American Humane Animal Emergency Services
FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency
American Association of Equine Practitioners
Animal Rescue Foundation
American Red Cross of Central Maryland
The Humane Society - Disaster Center

Educational Materials

AVMA Disaster Preparedness and Response Guide
Fema Cert Training
Maryland SART - Disaster Oriented Training
EDEN - Extension Disaster Education Network
University of Florida Disaster Handbook
DANR Guide to Disaster Preparedness

Organizations

Maryland State Animal Response Team
SART - State Animal Response Team
National Agricultural Safety Database (NASD)
Maryland Professional Volunteer Corps

Veterinary Links

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
The World Organization of Animal Health (OIE)