Community Resources
Mississippi Animal Disaster Relief Fund
The Mississippi Animal Disaster Relief Fund (MADRF) was established by the Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBAH), the Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) and the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine to provide a mechanism by which monetary donations could be received and disbursements made following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Following this event, the fund was used to provide care to animals and to support reestablishment of animal care within the local community.
The MADRF has since been transitioned to a permanent 501c(3) fund that provides assistance to Mississippians and their animals affected by any disaster in the state. Every year since its inception, the MADRF has assisted animal owners and veterinarians following disasters such as tornadoes, veterinary clinic fires, and shelter flooding situations. The purpose of the MADRF is to provide assistance to Mississippians during recovery from disasters affecting domesticated animals, as well as support efforts to mitigate, prevent, and protect animal health and welfare in disasters. This includes activities such as reimbursement for out-of-pocket animal care and veterinary costs, distribution of vouchers for immediate veterinary care, support of local veterinary business continuity, preparation for animal care and sheltering, stockpiling supplies, providing for emergency hay and feed needs, and training emergency responders.
MADRF Application MADRF Donation Form MADRF Guidelines
Large Animal Emergency Response Training
The MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, in collaboration with the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security, the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, and the MSU Extension Service, plays an active role in the training of first responders and animal health personnel in the area of large animal emergency response and rescue.
Operations level training includes large animal handling, extrication and recovery. In addition to basic scene management and incident command, participants gain experience in areas such as vertical lifts, slides, mud rescues, barn fires and overturned trailers. Special funding has been provided for training of the MS Office of Homeland Security Task Force members (MSTF) and MS Animal Response Team (MART) members across the state to serve as resources for communities in times of need.
Contact information for these individuals is available through local county emergency management agency (EMA) offices, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency ESF-11 representative, the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, the MSU Extension Service, the MSU CVM and the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security.
If you are interested in hosting or sponsoring a class, please contact Dr. Carla Huston.
K9 Care for Handlers and Medics
MSU CVM partners with the Mississippi Board of Animal Health (MBAH), Mississippi Fire Academy (MSFA) and University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) to offer free medical training for law enforcement personnel who handle K9 officers and for medics who may treat K9 officers in the field. These courses help ensure that our first responders and their K9 counterparts are trained and protected.
The objective of the one-day law enforcement course is to train officers to provide basic care and first aid to their canine partners, as well as to perform life-saving techniques until more advanced veterinary care can be accessed. Topics addressed include basic health care of law enforcement canines; triage, handling and medical evacuation of injured canines; first-aid and emergency care; treatment of traumatic injuries and emergency conditions; intoxications, and emergency planning and jump kits.
If you are interested in hosting or sponsoring a class, please contact Dr. Carla Huston.