First Responders' Veterinary Network
Answer the Call When It Matters Most
Join First Responders' Veterinary Network (FRVN)
When emergencies involve animals, the gap between good intentions and safe outcomes is often veterinary expertise. FRVN exists to close that gap.
Veterinary expertise. Emergency readiness. Real-world impact.
What is FRVN
The First Responders' Veterinary Network (FRVN) is a newly forming 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed as emergency infrastructure, not a traditional animal welfare organization. Our mission is simple and serious: provide rapid, dispatchable veterinary support to first responders during emergencies involving pets and livestock.
Why FRVN was built
Fire, EMS, and law enforcement routinely face scenes where animals:
- Block access to patients or structures
- Prevent safe evacuation
- Create risk to responders and the public
- Prolong incidents and increase liability
In those moments, a trained DVM on scene changes everything.
Core Capabilities
On-Scene Specialized Care
FRVN provides rapid veterinary support to stabilize animals at rescue scenes, including livestock and companion pets, ensuring they receive professional medical attention while rescuers focus on technical extrication.
Responder Safety
By managing complex animal dynamics on active scenes, FRVN reduces scene variability, mitigates physical risk to first responders, and streamlines overall incident command operations.
Dispatchable Response
Seamlessly integrated with county dispatch, providing authorities with a reliable resource available at a moment's notice.
Infrastructure Embedded
Not a shelter group; we function as public safety infrastructure, trained in NIMS/ICS to work within incident command structures.
County-State Alignment
Initial focus on core Iowa counties including Scott, Johnson, and Linn, expanding to provide standard-based emergency coverage.
Why Veterinarians Join FRVN
A meaningful impact without the burnout. FRVN is built for DVMs who want to leverage their expertise in critical moments while maintaining professional balance.
- Volunteer, on-call model (no quotas)
- Local, county-based deployment focus
- NIMS/ICS safety training provided
- Liability coverage arranged via FRVN
- Professional recognition in Iowa’s system
This is about using your expertise when it matters most, not adding another heavy obligation to your schedule.
Be the Veterinarian Responders Call.
Your unique skills can turn chaos into control when animals are at risk.