A group of researchers from Massey University in Zealand is conducting an international survey of emergency animal and disaster response volunteers and workers.
According to the research team, “There is an increasing societal importance for individual animal emergency rescue and animal welfare in more extensive disasters and incidents. The rescue and evacuation of animals is important not only for their welfare, but also for preventing human injury and loss of life during the emergency event, and aiding the emotional, mental and economical recovery of affected people.”
Depending upon the organization or the role of the persons involved, there are varying levels of understanding of the impact of being involved in work of this type upon owners, volunteers and professional rescue workers involved in animal emergency rescue and disaster response.
This international study aims to understand how those involved in animal emergency work are affected, and how people manage and recover from any consequences that may arise. We seek to understand and look into different factors that may influence the effects that involvement of these rescue events and disasters have on volunteers and workers.
People aged 16 and up, with relevant experience are asked to take the confidential, anonymous online survey about how they may have been affected by and recovered from an emergency animal rescue or disaster response incident. It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
At the end of the study, the overall results will be analyzed and published for the benefit of the community and those involved in emergency animal response and disaster response. Results may be published in journal articles, presented at conferences and meetings, and other means of dissemination. Copies of the final published reports will be freely available on request. No financial or other compensation is provided for participants.
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