Animal Decon Field Guide · preparedness, planning & response educationNot an emergency service · United States
Animal DeconField Guide
Library

All field guides

Ten original guides covering companion animals, response-site design, working dogs, horses and livestock. Built for planning discussions—not as a substitute for incident command or veterinary care.

01
Companion Animal

What Animal Decontamination Means: A Practical Field Guide

Understand what animal decontamination is, when it is used, and how external contamination differs from poisoning or ordinary bathing.

02
Companion Animal

Pet Exposed to an Unknown Substance? First Steps Before You Wash

A cautious first-response framework for suspected chemical or unknown-material exposure in dogs and cats, focused on isolation, triage and professional guidance.

03
Companion Animal

After Floodwater Exposure: Cleaning Dogs and Cats Without Spreading the Mess

How to think about floodwater contamination in pets, including isolation, washing flow, paws, drying and preventing recontamination after disasters.

04
Companion Animal

Eyes, Paws and Coat: Three Exposure Zones That Need Different Attention

Why eyes, paw pads and fur behave differently during animal contamination events, and what responders should consider when assessing each area.

05
Response Planning

Building a Companion-Animal Decon Station: Flow Before Equipment

A planning-oriented guide to decon station layout, one-way animal flow, triage, wash areas, runoff control and clean release during emergencies.

06
Response Planning

Preventing Cross-Contamination Around Animals: The Part Decon Plans Miss

How leashes, crates, handlers, towels, vehicles and animal shaking can move contaminants out of a decon area—and how planning reduces that risk.

07
Response Planning

After the Wash: Post-Decon Monitoring, Documentation and Release

What happens after animal decontamination, from clean-side assessment and re-monitoring to documentation, reunification and veterinary follow-up.

08
Working & Large Animals

Service and Working Dogs in Disaster Operations: Decon Without Losing the Mission

Planning considerations for service dogs, search-and-rescue dogs and other working canines that may need decontamination during emergency operations.

09
Working & Large Animals

Livestock and Horse Decon Planning: Scale Changes Everything

Planning considerations for decontaminating horses and livestock after hazardous-material or disaster exposure, with emphasis on handling, water, footing and containment.

10
Working & Large Animals

Low-Stress Animal Handling During Decon: Safety Is More Than PPE

How fear, restraint, noise, water and unfamiliar handlers affect animal decontamination, and why behavior planning reduces bites, escapes and incomplete cleaning.