You may have seen us in action during the Australia Fires and asked yourself "could I help animals in disasters too". Now you can. We have scheduled our Foundation Courses across New Zealand which is the minimum training requirement for our response volunteers. We are seeking volunteers to join us, from a wide range of skills not just veterinary and emergency response.

Formed in 2018, following the devastating Edgecumbe flood the year prior that saw over 1,000 animals left behind in need of rescue, Animal Evac New Zealand (Kararehe Whakawatea) is a charity comprised volunteers throughout New Zealand who can assist emergency services and civil defence with the evacuation of animals, and to provide initial temporary sheltering in an emergency or disaster. Though there is a primary focus on companion animals, Animal Evac works to advocate for all animals that are vulnerable or affected by disasters. So that no animal is left behind.

As the country's largest and only dedicated Animal Disaster Charity, your foundation course is taught by experts with real disaster international disaster response experience (not just animal disasters too!). The two day foundation course covers:

• Overview of Animal Evac NZ: What we are and are not
  
• Animal Evac Vision, Values and Code of Conduct
  
• Animal emergency management philosophy
  
• Civil Defence Emergency Management in NZ overview
  
• Welfare services in an emergency
  
• Temporary emergency animal accommodation options
  
• Animal evacuation registration (database) and reunification
  
• Animal Evac NZ activation and command
  
• Future training options and requirements
• Health and safety
• Establishing pet friendly shelters/emergency assistance centres
• Dog bite prevention

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

Yes. Please ensure you bring your ticket so we can account for who attended the training and ensure payment.

Can I bring my pet?

No. Our courses are pet free to ensure you are focused on the learning and not distracted. If you have a disability assistance dog, they are most welcome to accompany you.

I am automatically a responder for Animal Evac after the course?

In most cases, you will be flagged as meeting our minimum requirements and added to our database. However, you may be required to undertake additional training dependent on your role. In some cases, you may already hold required qualifications, and once we have confirmation of those we can update your status. Many of our roles also require you to pass a police/criminal background vetting process.

I am wanting a non operational role? Do I still need to take this course?

Yes. This is a mandatory induction for all our volunteers.

Is there any animal handling at this course?

No. This course is entirely classroom based, with lectures, discussions and group activities that accommodate a wide range of people and abilities.

Are there food stores or cafe's closeby?

There are plenty of shops in close walking distance, tea/coffee will be supplied.

What should I bring?

We suggest you bring pen/paper and glasses/contact lenses if you need these for viewing television or whiteboards. Please dress to be comfortable. You may need money for food and if you want to buy a T Shirt ($30) [cash or mobile app payment].

What can I do prior to the course?

If you like to do some optional learning before the course, there is plenty of online courses and resources to can do and read up on respectively. Visit https://animaldisastermanagement.blog/aem101/ for further information.

Is the course NZVNA accredited?

Yes. If you are a NZVNA member, please bring your ID number with you so you can claim 5.5 CPD points.

I heard that you may have government funding for these courses?

We had successfully lobbied government to allow us to apply for such funding. Then govenment officials changed the rules and funding model mean that again, we are unable to access government civil defence training funding.

Is the course two days?

The NZVNA accredited Foundation Course is one day. However, we now require all new volunteers to attend the second day which is our sheltering and dog safety course which is provided at no extra cost, as this is another mandatory course. If you can only attend the saturday, that is fine - but you will have to attend a sheltering course at some other time. You also must complete an online CIMS (incident management) course too which can be done after the foundation course.

What do I get from the course?

There has been a minor increase in the course fee for 2019 to allow for a uniquely identified Animal Evac high visibiltiy vest being issued to you. It remains our property and has to be returned should you leave Animal Evac NZ. However, you will get course handouts and certificate as part of your course. T Shirts are an optional but encouraged (for sale).

For further information please visit www.animalevac.nz