Webinar Series: Field Investigations and Response

This 8-part webinar series presented by the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response (FIR) Department explored issues critical to successful investigations and response for animals in crisis, including animals in natural or man-made disaster situations. Animal welfare professionals, veterinarians, emergency management, law enforcement, public health and other government officials will especially benefit from these free, 90-minute webinar recordings. No pre-requisites.

Want to Join the FIR Team?

In 2011 alone, the ASPCA’s FIR Team assisted more than 20,000 animals throughout the United States who were affected by natural disasters, including the tornado response in Joplin, Missouri. Want to learn more about joining FIR’s volunteer team? Watch the recordings in this 8-part webinar series and find out how you can help animals during natural disasters and large scale animal cruelty cases.  Completion of the full webinar series (either by attending live sessions and/or by watching recordings) including passing accompanying quizzes is strongly recommended prior to applying for the ASPCA FIR volunteer program.

When you are ready to apply for the ASPCA FIR Team, please download these two documents and follow their instructions: volunteer application (.pdf)   responder form (.pdf)

Recorded Sessions

Field Sheltering and Temporary Shelters
Presenter:  Dr. Rhonda Windham, MVB, Medical Director, ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Department

Large scale cruelty cases and natural disasters involve hundreds and sometimes, thousands of animals that need to be housed for undetermined periods of time.  Unlike permanent shelters, field shelters are often set up in makeshift facilities such as warehouses, empty stores, parking lots, or any other space that can accommodate large numbers of animals.  Join us for an in-depth look at the components of a field shelter operation, from the planning and resource acquisition to the set up, daily operations, and management of these challenging ventures.  We’ll also discuss:

• Protocols: strategies for maintaining a healthy population – shelter design, sanitation, medical and isolation guidelines
• Resource Management: how many people will you need to run a smooth operation? What kind of equipment and supplies will be needed?
• Documentation: applications for record keeping and inventory management
• Demobilization: recommendations for rehoming and placement

Shelter professionals, veterinarians, vet techs, response teams, public health and other government officials, and emergency management professionals  interested in learning more about temporary shelters will especially benefit from this free, 90-minute webinar.

In the Field: Veterinary Forensics
Presenter:  Dr. Rhonda Windham, MVB, Medical Director, ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Department

Veterinary medicine plays a crucial role in responses to large scale animal cruelty cases and natural disasters.  Join us in a discussion of veterinary field medicine as it relates to emergency sheltering and forensics. We’ll discuss:

• Veterinary Forensics: evidence collection, medical exams and documentation, necropsies, and field components
• Emergency Shelter Medicine: the management of large populations in a temporary shelter can be challenging and time consuming.  Learn strategies for diagnosis, disease prevention, and treatment
• Resource Management: how to prepare veterinarians and vet techs for work in the field; how to find the right people and keep them engaged

Veterinarians, vet techs, shelter professionals law enforcement, and emergency management professionals interested in learning more about veterinary field medicine will especially benefit from this free, 90-minute webinar.

Animal Fighting: Investigating and Prosecuting Bloodsports
Presenter:  Terry Mills, Blood Sports Director, ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Department

With increased public awareness and stricter laws, animal fighting cases are on the rise across the US.  Join us for an in-depth look at animal fighting and learn strategies to investigate and prosecute cases in your community.  Learn how to talk to anyone, including law enforcement, about animal fighting. We’ll also discuss:

• The secret subculture of animal fighting
• Case histories and investigative techniques
• Dogfighting in the words of a dogfighter
• What the ASPCA can do to help you

Law enforcement, public health officials, animal control officers, animal welfare professionals, veterinarians, and prosecutors interested in learning more about animal fighting will especially benefit from this free, 90-minute webinar.

FIR: Rescuing Animals from Cruelty and Disasters  
Presenter:  Tim Rickey, Sr. Director, ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Department

More than just a response team, the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response Program (FIR) provides a full range of services to law enforcement, emergency management, and animal welfare agencies across the United States. The FIR program provides consultations, case review, training and workshops, expert testimony, and management of large scale operations – with a focus on puppy mills, animal fighting, and hoarding cases. Join us for an overview of the FIR program and learn about the many ways in which the program can assist your organization.

Members of law enforcement, emergency management, animal welfare professionals, and those interested in volunteering with the ASPCA's FIR team will especially benefit from this free, 90-minute webinar.

On the Frontlines: Joining the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team 
Presenters: ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Department's:  Allison Cardona, Program Development Specialist; Jessica Rushin, Partnership Manager; Gina Manke, Responder Manager

What is your organization's capacity to partner with the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response (FIR) Team? What if you are not affiliated with an organization and would still like to help?

The FIR Team collaborates with shelters, rescue groups, transport companies, and response teams on large-scale disaster and cruelty operations. Organizations can provide teams of staff and volunteers to assist with field rescue or emergency sheltering and can also take in animals for adoption once they have been released to the ASPCA. We will review the opportunities for partnership at the organizational and individual level. We will also discuss:

• Response Partner Program: What your organization can expect and guidelines for membership
• Grants Program: Response Partners are invited to apply for grants for expenses associated with sending teams to assist in operations and for taking animals from operations.
• Responder Program: Individuals can apply to the FIR Team. Learn about the knowledge, skills, and training you'll need in order to join the team.

Animal welfare organizations, county and state response teams, and individuals with field rescue and sheltering experience will especially benefit from this free, 90-minute webinar.

The ASPCA's Disaster Response Program
Presenter: Dr. Dick Green, Disaster Response Director, ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Department

The ASPCA's Disaster Response Program works with emergency management, public health, and animal welfare organizations to prepare for natural and man-made disasters – and 2011 was a landmark year for disasters affecting the animal welfare community.  We'll discuss the importance of planning and preparing for disasters, including concrete strategies that your organization can apply immediately. We'll also discuss:

• Disasters: why and how do we respond?
• Training: beyond the Incident Command System
• Collaboration and working within the system: how does my organization fit into the emergency management structure?
• Reunification: learn best practices and strategies for reuniting people and pets

Animal welfare organizations, county and state response teams, and emergency management professionals will especially benefit from this free, 90-minute webinar.

Large Scale Operations: Animal Cruelty Cases and Natural Disasters
Presenter:  Joel Lopez, Operations Sr. Manager, ASPCA Field Investigations and Response

Large scale cruelty cases and natural disasters are complex operations involving hundreds and sometimes thousands of animals.  Both require extensive planning and resources, with the ability to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities and circumstances.  Join us for an in-depth look at the components of large scale field operations, including field rescue, temporary sheltering, behavior evaluations, placement, and transport. Learn how to plan for the ever-changing environment and strategies for resource and personnel management.

Shelter professionals, law enforcement and professionals interested in learning more about large scale operations will especially benefit from this free, 90-minute webinar.

Animal Cruelty Investigations: Crime Scenes and Evidence Collection
Presented by Kathryn Destreza Investigations Director, Field Investigations and Response, ASPCA

The ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response Team partners with law enforcement agencies and animal welfare organizations to investigate animal cruelty across the United States.  Cases may involve single acts of neglect and cruelty or large numbers of animals such puppy mills and hoarding situations.  Join us for an in-depth look at animal cruelty investigations from the law enforcement and animal welfare perspective. We'll also discuss:

• Working with law enforcement and other animal welfare agencies
• How to conduct a thorough investigation, including evidence collection, chain of custody, and case packaging
• Crime scene documentation: animals in a cruelty case are evidence and need to be properly documented. Learn proper procedures and hear more about available resources.

Law enforcement, animal control officers, animal welfare professionals, veterinarians, and government officials interested in learning more about animal cruelty investigations will especially benefit from this free, 90-minute webinar.