Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT)

Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMATs) are the national backbone of animal disaster preparedness and response.

With assistance, funding and support from the AVMF, VMATs provide treatment and aid to animals used in search-and-rescue efforts and animals hurt or endangered by catastrophic events such as floods, hurricanes, fires and earthquakes. Comprised of highly trained veterinarians, veterinary technicians and support personnel, VMATs teams are organized regionally and can be deployed to any state or U.S. territory within 24 hours.

VMATs operate within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. All training, preparations and equipment are made possible through charitable support. Once called upon by an authorized federal agency, VMATs are supported by federal resources when deployed.

VMAT teams supplement the relief efforts already underway by local veterinarians and emergency aid providers. Together, they form a collaborative animal relief system that includes VMATs, state and local officials, the state veterinarian, the local veterinary community, state and local veterinary medical associations, emergency management personnel, humane groups, Red Cross volunteers and search and rescue groups.

Through the AVMF’s continued support, VMATs are ready to respond immediately when called upon by federal agencies and have become an indispensable resource in times of state and local disasters.