Created by Responders for Responders
First Responders’ Veterinary Network (FRVN) is a national nonprofit organization building a new layer of emergency-response capability for incidents involving companion animals and livestock. FRVN recruits, equips, and prepares veterinary professionals to work alongside fire, EMS, law enforcement, animal control, and emergency management under established incident-command and public-safety procedures. By providing organized veterinary expertise at motor vehicle collisions, structure fires, evacuations, livestock emergencies, and other complex scenes, FRVN helps reduce responder risk, improve animal outcomes, and create a safer, more coordinated bridge from the emergency scene to appropriate veterinary care.
This organization is tax exempt per IRS code 501(c)3 Public Charity Status: 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) Determination Letter on file and available to donors.
We need your help, today.
Overcoming Field Obstacles
Domestic and farm animals are common in high-stress scenes, yet modern emergency protocols frequently overlook them. Typical barriers that present risks for active-duty units include:
- Hostile pets blocking patient access, injured animals posing physical risks, loose livestock causing traffic jams, or responders lacking the specialized tools needed for animal handling.
Despite these constant hazards, the public safety sector has lacked a coordinated network of independent veterinary volunteers to assist law enforcement and fire units.
Blending Clinical Insights with Tactical Field Skills
Our operational strategy is guided by deep knowledge across several disciplines:
- Public health systems, incident command structures, and the mobilization of a community-based veterinarian network designed to boost the safety of every agency on the emergency scene.
This diverse method ensures FRVN provides a scalable system for any region, emphasizing the use of local volunteer vets to improve the safety of all primary first responders.
First Responders’ Veterinary Network conducts organized emergency veterinary support operations in coordination with public safety agencies during animal-involved incidents in order to improve responder safety, reduce incident complexity, support humane animal stabilization and transfer, and strengthen community emergency readiness. FRVN accomplishes this mission by developing trained veterinary responder networks, response supplies, safety equipment, documentation systems, and local partnerships that integrate veterinary expertise into emergency response operations while preserving FRVN’s role as a responder-aligned support network, not a shelter, rescue organization, animal control agency, or replacement for private veterinary care.
Our Mission
Technical Aid Optimized for the Frontline
We view veterinary support as an external technical asset. Our goal is to make requesting a volunteer veterinary partner as efficient as calling for a specialized unit like a hazmat team, a heavy rescue squad, or a mobile command supervisor
Driven by Field Insight
FRVN provides access to expert volunteer solutions to ensure animals don't compromise human safety. Our methods come from real-world emergency work and are shaped by network partners who navigate the stress and dangers of the frontline. We seek better results for every individual protected during a crisis. You may reach our office by calling 563-528-2030 or emailing us at info@frvn.org.
Get Involved
Our Committees
Join a committee that fits you and your skills
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Executive Committee
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Finance & Audit Committee
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Governance & Nominating Committee
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Training & Quality Assurance Committee
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Clinical / Medical Advisory Committee
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Operations & Incident Response Committee
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County Partnerships & Dispatch Integration Committee
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Development, Grants & Fundraising Committee
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Marketing, Communications & Community Outreach Committee
How Vet Techs can join in
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On-scene DVM support
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Animal handling and restraint
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Triage assistance
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Equipment and kit readiness
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Documentation support
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Owner and handler communication
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Clinic transfer coordination
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Structure fire and smoke exposure support
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MVC and roadway incident support
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Large animal and livestock support
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Training and readiness events
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Quality assurance and after-action support
Corporate Involvement and Support
Corporate sponsorship can help FRVN build real emergency-response readiness before an animal-involved crisis happens. Sponsor support can fund veterinary response kits, PPE, oxygen equipment, training, dispatch integration, documentation tools, volunteer onboarding, and local readiness activities for pets, horses, livestock, kennels, barns, and animal facilities. In return, corporate partners align their brand with responder safety, animal welfare, community preparedness, and practical emergency support. A sponsorship is not just a donation; it helps create a dependable veterinary response capability that first responders, animal owners, and communities can rely on when emergencies involve animals.