Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Newton, Massachusetts Animal Response Team. NMART is a volunteer organization under the leadership of the Newton Police Department dedicated to responding to the needs of the animal population during disaster situations in the city of Newton.

There are four teams that make up NMART. During an animal emergency/disaster any or all of these teams may be activated depending on the situation. Volunteers are asked to join one of the four teams. All volunteers must be registered before they can help care for animals during an emergency/disaster.

NMART Teams:

Logistics Team

The Logistics Team is the first line of defense in the event of an animal-related emergency/disaster. This team is responsible for assessing the damage and stability of the area in which the disaster took place as well as the stability of the area in which the animal emergency shelter is to be opened. The Logistics Team will help prioritize tasks needed to be completed by the other teams as well as assign walk-on volunteers positions in the shelters. The Logistics Team is also responsible for setting up the intake and reclaim areas of the animal emergency shelter as well as is responsible for the intake procedure, identification of animals, and paperwork for all incoming and reclaimed animals. The Logistics Team will also comprise of a safety officer that overseas all operations. During non-disaster periods, the Logistics Team is responsible for maintaining and updating the policies and procedures pertaining to the intake and reclaim procedures, as well as pursue volunteer recruitment and training opportunities.

Logistic Team Volunteer Positions

- Animal Intake Coordinator
- Animal Intake Assistant
- Missing and Reclaim Animal Coordinator
- Missing and Reclaim Animal Assistant
- Registered and Walk-on Volunteer coordinator
- Registered and Walk-on Volunteer Assistant
- Safety Officer

Animal Control Officer/Search and Rescue Team

The ACO/Search and Rescue Team will be responsible for the search and rescue of all missing, injured, or displaced animals. The team will document all rescues to better facilitate reuniting the animal with its owner. The Team will be responsible for transporting animals to the proper animal emergency shelter and for monitoring available shelter space. The team will be responsible for transporting animals in need of further medical care to the appropriate animal hospital. The team will note the number and location of deceased animals in order for appropriate disposal to be arranged. This team will be under the guidance and leadership of the Newton Animal Control Officer. During non-disaster periods, the ACO/Search and Rescue Team is responsible for maintaining and updating the policies and procedures pertaining to the search and rescue of animals, animal handling, and animal transporting.

ACO/Search and Rescue Team Volunteer Positions

- Animal Control Officer
- Animal Transporter
- Search and Rescue Scheduler
- Search and Rescue Volunteers
Veterinary Services Team

The Veterinary Services Team is responsible for the triage process and for providing emergency medical care. The team is responsible for monitoring the health of all animals that are being held in the animal emergency shelters and providing medical care and vaccinations to those animals in need. The team will also assist the Shelter Operations team with the decontamination of animals. The team is responsible for making decision as to whether or not an animal needs to be transported to a local animal hospital for further medical attention. The veterinarian in charge of the team will be responsible for making decisions on humane euthanasia of animals. This team will be under the guidance of a volunteer veterinarian with the support of veterinary technicians or other volunteers with animal handling skills. During non-disaster periods, the Veterinary Services Team is responsible for maintaining and updating the policies and procedures pertaining to the triage process, medical care of sheltered animals, vaccination protocols, and euthanasia protocols.

Veterinary Services Team Volunteer Positions

- Veterinarian and Triage Coordinator
- Assistant Veterinarians
- Veterinary Technician Coordinator
- Assistant Veterinary Technicians

Shelter Operations Team

The Shelter Operations Team is responsible for setting up completely the animal emergency shelters to house and care for all rescued animals. The team will be responsible for setting up animal cages and runs as well as for setting up the decontamination area. The team will be responsible for daily cleaning, feeding, and walking of all animals being sheltered. The shelter team will keep detailed records on the condition of all animals while being sheltered. The shelter team will work closely with the Veterinary Services Team to monitor the health of all animals. The Shelter Team will also be responsible for keeping the shelter clean and safe for all volunteers. During non-disaster periods, the Shelter Operations Team is responsible for maintaining and updating the policies and procedures pertaining to shelter setup, decontamination, housing and food requirements, cleaning protocols, and animal care protocols.

Shelter Operations Team Volunteer Positions

- Shelter Establishment Coordinator
- Shelter Establishment Assistants
- Decontamination Coordinator
- Decontamination Assistants
- Kennel Attendant Coordinator
- Kennel Attendant Assistant