When local veterinary practitioners volunteer to assist during a disaster, there are almost always unanticipated challenges such as appropriate documentation of veterinary care. Experience has shown that this veterinary record keeping is essential for ensuring appropriate care of affected animals as well as maintaining communication with owners about their animals. Additionally, this these records serve to provide continuity of care of affected animals as there are often multiple volunteer veterinarians across the duration of the incident. In recognizing the importance of documentation of veterinary care in disasters, CVET recommends the following these simple steps for local veterinary practitioners involved in local disaster response.
And looking for additional guidance on how to be better prepared? Check out our local veterianry professionals guides and triage protocol linked under additional documents!