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Maryland Department of Agriculture

Animal Emergency Preparedness

About Emergency Preparedness

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is the state agency responsible for animals in emergencies in Maryland. As the lead for the Maryland Emergency Support Function #16- Agriculture and Animal Welfare, MDA coordinates animal information and resources during disasters.

Types of animal emergencies MDA responds to

Animal emergencies that MDA responds to include: 

  • Animal disease outbreaks
  • Emergency animal evacuation 
  • Emergency animal sheltering 
  • Animal loss from natural or man-made disasters

How MDA prepares for animal disasters

To prepare for animal disasters MDA leads statewide animal emergency planning and meets with local, state, federal and volunteer organizations to ensure that animals are incorporated in disaster plans. 

Volunteer to help in an emergency

To assist in responding to emergencies please register with Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps​. 

Resources

Pet preparedness

Disaster preparedness for livestock & horse owners