In addition to preserving human life, saving animal life is imperative to the LSU Stephenson Disaster Management Institute’s mission. The institute has assisted in the course development and offering of animal rescue training at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue is a course intended to train first responders, veterinarians, and other animal care personnel to work together to safely and effectively save animal lives without compromising human life. The courses have been attended by dozens of veterinary students, members of the Lafayette and New Orleans mounted police, state veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and large animal professionals.

Graduate veterinarians who complete this course will be able to immediately provide a positive impact in their respective communities as they enter the veterinary workforce. As leaders and professionals in their communities, with the tools learned in this course, they will be able to positively influence and educate their clients and clients’ families and provide community leadership and service in emergency planning and response.