Navigating the Chaos: Exploring Animal Disaster Response and Resource Coordination

Navigating the Chaos: Exploring Animal Disaster Response and Resource Coordination

Speaker: Eric Thompson, Executive Director for Animal

Incident Management (AIM) with Bissell Pet Foundation

March 27, 2025

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. on Zoom

Are you ready to help the animals in your community when disaster strikes?

From large scale seizures to tornadoes and floods, Ohio shelters need to be prepared for anything. Join us for an interactive session where we dive into the complexities of animal disaster management, from balancing daily operations to addressing urgent, disaster-related needs. We'll explore strategies for planning while collaborating with emergency management and mass care partners. The conversation will then shift to the challenges of resource identification and coordination that shelters often face in the midst of a crisis. To wrap things up, you'll get an exclusive introduction to the Animal Services Incident Support Team (ASIST) – a dynamic partnership between Animal Search & Rescue (ASAR) and the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) designed to enhance disaster response for animals.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to disaster coordination, this webinar will equip you with practical tools and insights to tackle any emergency head-on.

Ready to turn chaos into clarity? Let’s dive in!

ABOUT ERIC

Eric Thompson is a graduate of Kansas University with a B.G.S. in Environmental Science and graduated from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center with his Police commission. Currently Eric is working as the Executive Director for Animal Incident Management (AIM) with Bissell Pet Foundation. Eric also serves as Senior Director for the ASAR Training and Response platform, which provides animal rescue technicians and specialist training along with subject-matter-expert workshops and response. Eric serves as Past-President of the National Alliance for Animal and Agriculture Emergency Programs, and Eric participated on the National Advisory Council subcommittee for the Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Act to review and update national guidelines for animals in disasters. Eric is working with several agencies and States as a consultant to incorporate animal-related operations into existing Emergency Support Functions. 

REGISTRATION FEE

• $0 for Ohio Fed Webinar Bundle participants with code

• $25 per organization for Ohio Fed members 

• $50 per organization for non-members 

Registration fee includes a link to a recording of the webinar that will be emailed after the program and available for a limited time. Not sure if your organization is a member? Click here. 

Ohio Animal Welfare Federation is an approved provider of content which enhances professional competence and aligns with the 5 domains of the CAWA Exam specifications. Every hour of training equals 1 CE towards CAWA Recertification.

This webinar has also been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located here.