Emergency preparedness is an essential component of responsible assistance animal practice. Although many emergencies cannot be prevented entirely, careful planning can reduce delays in treatment, improve safety and contribute to better outcomes for both the assistance animal and the handler. Occupational therapists are well positioned to support clients in developing practical emergency plans that recognise the interdependence of the assistance animal partnership and promote safe participation across home, work and community environments.

As with the previous sections, learners undertaking this credential have already completed an accredited Animal First Aid course and demonstrated competency in the practical management of emergencies. This section does not repeat first aid procedures. Instead, it focuses on emergency planning, safe transport, veterinary referral pathways and the occupational therapist’s role in supporting continuity of participation when an assistance animal becomes ill or injured.

Emergency preparedness extends beyond the immediate medical event. It also involves anticipating how temporary or permanent loss of an assistance animal may affect the handler’s independence, safety, routines and occupational participation, and ensuring appropriate contingency plans are in place before an emergency occurs.

Developing an Emergency Plan

Emergency planning should form part of routine assistance animal service delivery rather than being considered only after an incident has occurred. A written emergency plan enables handlers, family members, support workers and healthcare professionals to respond quickly and consistently when urgent situations arise.

An emergency plan should identify the handler’s regular veterinary practice, the nearest after-hours emergency veterinary hospital and alternative veterinary services if travel or local disasters limit access to care. Contact details should be readily available and periodically reviewed to ensure they remain current.

The plan should also identify emergency contacts, transport arrangements, alternative accommodation if evacuation becomes necessary, and any disability-specific supports required should the handler temporarily lose access to their assistance animal.

Emergency planning should be reviewed regularly as the handler’s circumstances, living arrangements, health needs or the assistance animal’s medical status change.

Preparing an Emergency Kit

Having essential supplies readily available can reduce delays during emergencies and support continuity of care.

An assistance animal emergency kit should include current veterinary records, vaccination history, medication lists, copies of identification documents, microchip information, emergency contact details, food, water, medications, leads, harnesses, muzzles where appropriate, waste disposal supplies and other equipment required to safely manage the animal during transport or temporary accommodation.

Handlers should also ensure that disability-related equipment, communication supports and personal medications are incorporated into broader household emergency preparedness planning, recognising that emergencies affect both members of the partnership.

Occupational therapists can assist clients to individualise emergency kits according to the handler’s disability, the assistance animal’s role and local environmental risks.

Safe Transport of an Injured Animal

Transporting an injured or critically ill animal requires careful consideration to avoid causing additional pain or injury while ensuring timely access to veterinary care.

Whenever possible, transport should occur using the handling and stabilisation principles learned during accredited Animal First Aid training. Unnecessary movement should be minimised, particularly where fractures, spinal injuries or significant trauma are suspected.

Occupational therapists should also consider the practical needs of the handler during transport. Depending on the individual’s disability, assistance may be required with communication, mobility, vehicle transfers or arranging accessible transport capable of safely accommodating both the handler and the injured assistance animal.

Where the handler is unable to accompany the animal immediately, arrangements should be made to ensure both the handler’s ongoing support needs and the animal’s welfare are addressed simultaneously.

Veterinary Referral

Occupational therapists are not responsible for diagnosing or treating veterinary conditions. Their role is to recognise when veterinary assessment is required, facilitate timely referral and communicate relevant observations to the veterinary team.

Referral should never be unnecessarily delayed when an animal demonstrates signs of significant illness, injury or distress. Early veterinary assessment frequently improves clinical outcomes, reduces suffering and may prevent permanent impairment affecting future working capacity.

When communicating with veterinary professionals, occupational therapists should provide clear factual information regarding the incident, observed clinical signs, first aid provided within scope of practice and any relevant occupational considerations, such as the animal’s role in supporting the handler’s daily functioning.

Effective referral relies on collaborative communication rather than attempting to interpret or diagnose medical conditions beyond professional competence.

Collaborative Care Following an Emergency

Recovery following illness or injury often requires collaboration between multiple professionals. Depending on the nature of the condition, the veterinary team may involve rehabilitation practitioners, surgeons, veterinary specialists or behaviour professionals to support recovery.

Occupational therapists contribute by considering how temporary changes in the animal’s health affect the handler’s occupational performance, participation and independence. This may involve reviewing goals, adapting activities, implementing temporary supports or coordinating with other service providers while the animal recovers.

Regular communication between occupational therapists, veterinarians, trainers and handlers supports consistent decision-making and promotes both animal welfare and client-centred care.

Temporary Withdrawal from Work

An assistance animal recovering from illness or injury may require temporary withdrawal from public access or task performance to allow appropriate healing.

Occupational therapists should reinforce that continuing to work while unwell or recovering may compromise both recovery and animal welfare. Decisions regarding return to work should be based on veterinary advice, objective assessment of the animal’s physical and behavioural readiness, and consideration of the demands of its working role.

During periods of reduced or suspended work, therapists should assist handlers to identify alternative strategies that maintain safety, participation and independence while respecting the animal’s rehabilitation needs.

Long-Term Health, Retirement and Welfare

Not all assistance animals will return to full working duties following significant illness or injury. Chronic disease, progressive conditions or permanent disability may eventually limit an animal’s ability to perform safely and comfortably.

Occupational therapists should support handlers through discussions regarding long-term management, task modification, reduced workloads or retirement when recommended by the veterinary team. These conversations may be emotionally challenging, particularly where the assistance animal has worked with the handler for many years.

Retirement planning should prioritise the animal’s welfare while simultaneously supporting the handler to adapt to changing circumstances, explore alternative supports and maintain meaningful occupational participation.

Documentation and Professional Responsibilities

Emergency incidents should be documented promptly, accurately and objectively in accordance with organisational policies, professional standards and relevant legislation.

Documentation should record observations made, actions taken, referrals arranged, advice provided and any recommendations regarding modification of work activities pending veterinary clearance. Records should remain factual and avoid speculation regarding diagnosis or prognosis.

Occupational therapists should also review whether the incident identifies broader risk management issues requiring modification of intervention plans, environmental assessments or emergency preparedness strategies.

Occupational Therapy Considerations

Emergency preparedness extends beyond responding effectively when an incident occurs. Occupational therapists play an important role in reducing risk through proactive planning, education and collaboration with handlers and veterinary professionals. By supporting clients to develop emergency plans, prepare emergency kits and identify accessible veterinary services, therapists contribute to safer participation across everyday environments.

When emergencies do occur, occupational therapists should focus on recognising the limits of their professional role, facilitating timely veterinary referral and supporting both members of the assistance animal partnership throughout recovery. Recovery planning should address not only the animal’s health but also the handler’s occupational needs, ensuring continuity of participation while protecting animal welfare. Through comprehensive emergency preparedness and interdisciplinary collaboration, occupational therapists help build resilient, safe and sustainable assistance animal partnerships.