The Department of Homeland Security has requested that the size of each of the four AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams be increased as soon as possible.

The mission of the VMATS is to assist the local veterinary community with the care of animals and to provide veterinary oversight and advice concerning animal-related issues and public health during a disaster or following a request from an appropriate agency.

The teams are located in the Northeast, Maryland, North Carolina, and Minnesota—but, no matter where veterinarians live in the United States, they can join any team.

Positions include veterinary medical officer, animal health technician, safety officer, logistics officer, communications officer, and training officer, to name a few.

Log on to the AVMA home page at www.avma.org to join a team or learn more.