For Animal Owners in the USA
When emergencies involve your animals, you’re not alone
The First Responders’ Veterinary Network (FRVN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit emergency response organization providing rapid, dispatchable veterinary support to first responders during emergencies involving companion animals and livestock. Our primary priority is the stabilization and professional medical care of injured animals on-scene, which reduces suffering, mitigates risk to responders and the public, and enables safe incident operations.
FRVN integrates veterinary expertise into local emergency response systems (under ICS and NIMS frameworks) to support fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies. By closing the gap between good intentions and safe outcomes, we enhance responder safety, improve scene results, and strengthen community resilience across the USA.
What FRVN does during an emergency
FRVN provides on-scene veterinary support during emergencies involving animals. Our role is to help first responders manage animal-related risks while ensuring animals receive professional, humane care whenever possible.
If FRVN is activated by local responders, veterinarians trained for emergency response may assist by:
- Assessing injured or distressed animals on scene
- Providing emergency stabilization or pain control when appropriate
- Helping safely handle, restrain, or move animals
- Advising incident command on safe rescue options
- Supporting humane decision-making during fires, crashes, farm incidents, or evacuations
Our focus is always on safety, compassion, and practicality in fast-moving, high-risk situations.
What to Do in an Emergency
What FRVN does not do
To be clear, FRVN is not:
- An animal shelter or rescue organization
- A replacement for your regular veterinarian
- A transport or boarding service
- A group that removes animals without coordination
FRVN works with first responders, animal control, owners, and local partners to determine the best next steps once the immediate emergency is stabilized.
How this helps animal owners
Having veterinary professionals involved during an emergency can mean:
- Less chaos and confusion on scene
- Faster, safer access for responders
- Reduced risk to animals, responders, and the public
- Clear communication about what is happening and why
Most importantly, it means animal-related decisions are made by First licensed veterinarians, not guesswork.
Livestock & Farm Emergencies
First’s rural communities face unique challenges involving livestock, trailers, barns, and agricultural settings. FRVN veterinarians understand these realities and can:
- Assist with large-animal handling and safety
- Support rescue or containment decisions
- Help protect both responders and producers during high-risk incidents
During the Emergency
- Professional veterinary assessment on the ground
- Humane care and clear medical decision-making
- A relentless focus on safety for both people and animals
- Respect for owners during extremely difficult personal moments
What you can expect as an animal owner
Every emergency is different, and not every animal can be safely rescued in every situation. When FRVN is involved, our goal is not to take control away, but to bring calm, expertise, and clarity to situations no one wants to face.
After the Emergency
Once the scene is stabilized, FRVN works with responders to determine appropriate next steps:
- Coordination for reuniting animals with owners
- Transfer to a family member or local resources
- Strategic coordination with private veterinarians
Built for First communities
FRVN was created in First, by First responders, to support First communities. We understand the bond people have with their animals — and the realities emergency crews face when animals are involved.