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.

Animal emergencies that MDA responds to include: 

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

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

 

 ​Above: MDA Staff train for emergency pet sheltering, June 2012

Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps

• General Information
  
• Register to Join​