Animal response personnel typically are not well-versed in the processes required to request and offer assistance between states via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) and request assistance from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) via memorandums of understanding (MOUs) or from the federal government via the Resource Request Form (RRF). In addition, few mission ready packages (MRPs) for animal resources exist within states or in the Mutual Aid Support System (MASS). Similarly, emergency managers typically are not aware of the needs animals face in a disaster, the types of resources that may be required, or which agencies/organization may be able to fill animal needs. 

The Multi-Jurisdictional Animal Resource Coordination Exercise (MARCE) was conducted in July 2017. The national functional exercise provided animal response personnel and emergency managers a collaborative environment to coordinate and streamline the resource request process to address animal needs. Natural disasters (hurricanes, wildfires, etc.) in 2017 mirrored injects presented during the exercise scenario and underscored the need for enhanced coordination. Resulting interdisciplinary and jurisdictional collaborations to implement improvements in animal preparedness to address obstacles encountered will be highlighted. This presentation will also review challenges, creative solutions, and areas for improvement identified throughout the exercise.