Animal Services Incident Support Team (ASIST)
Strengthening Animal Rescue in Disasters
When disasters strike, the safety of animals and their communities depends on rapid, coordinated action. ASIST was created to provide that support.
A joint initiative between the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA) and Animal Search and Rescue (ASAR), ASIST is designed to enhance animal-related disaster response nationwide. From pre-incident planning to boots-on-the-ground deployment, ASIST ensures Animal Control Units have the tools, training, and support they need to respond quickly and effectively.
“When disaster strikes, we stand united—no agency, no community, and no animal faces it alone.”
MISSION
ASIST’s mission is to empower Animal Control Units to prepare for and respond to disasters with confidence and efficiency. By integrating animal welfare operations into the broader emergency management system, ASIST helps agencies work seamlessly within local, regional, and national response efforts.
ASIST offers professional, no-cost assistance to agencies of all sizes—whether in the field or within Emergency Operations Centers. From coordinating animal evacuations to supporting recovery operations, ASIST stands by responders every step of the way.
Disaster training, protocols, resources & grants
NACA Disaster Portal
NACA knows that disasters can strike at any time and it’s important to not only be prepared but also understand how the systems work, ensure responders are properly trained and protocols are at the highest standard for safety. NACA is a proud member of the National Animal Rescue and Shelter Coalition (NARSC) along with our partners at Red Cross, ASPCA, American Humane, Code3 Associates, PetSmart Charities Inc., and International Fund for Animal Welfare.
NARSC (National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition) was established in 2005 and its mission is to identify, prioritize and find collaborative solutions to major human-animal emergency issues. NARSC is dedicated to professionalism, both in animal emergency response and management, as well as full integration into emergency management consistent with the National Incident Management System (NIMS). It’s vital to understand the Emergency Management and Incident Command systems for the best possible outcome for animals and their humans during disaster operations. The NARSC has a strong record of working effectively and cooperatively at all levels with government and non-government agencies having roles in emergency response and animal issues.
NACA is proud to work as a part of NARSC to support disaster response effort at the national level, and understands it starts at the ground level. NACA has a responsibility to its members, partners, and affiliates to help ensure access to updated training, protocols, and resources.