Preparing Mexico’s animal rescuers for the next disaster

One of the most important lessons in technical rescue is that determination alone isn't enough. You need the right equipment, a clear plan, an understanding of the animal's needs, and a team that can adapt when circumstances change. Those skills must be practiced before an animal's life, or a responder's safety, depends on them.

The value of learning from one another

Something I particularly appreciated about this training was the opportunity to bring firefighters and veterinarians together. They approach emergencies with different but complementary expertise.

Firefighters understand technical rescue systems, hazardous environments, and scene safety. Veterinarians understand how animals may respond to fear, pain, or restraint, and how handling and sedation decisions can affect their welfare. Successful large animal rescues require both perspectives.

The training also helped strengthen collaboration among Yucatan's state fire and rescue services, the state university, and the municipal animal welfare agency.

"This was a unique and enriching experience, and above all, it highlighted the importance of solving problems through an interdisciplinary approach involving technical personnel, civil protection teams, firefighters, and veterinarians. The course fostered collaboration among different professionals and demonstrated how working together can lead to more effective and successful outcomes," shared a responder who took part in the workshop.

For me, that collaboration is just as important as any individual rescue technique. When an emergency happens, it makes an enormous difference if the people responding already understand one another's roles and have practiced making decisions together.

Building on a decade of partnership

IFAW has worked with local responders in Mexico for nearly a decade, helping strengthen the skills and relationships needed to protect animals during emergencies. That history matters; becoming an effective animal rescuer doesn't happen in a single training course. It takes practice, experience, and a willingness to keep learning.

Many participants in Merida already had practical rescue experience. In fact, just last year, we provided many of these firefighters with training in domestic and wild animal handling techniques, including CPR for companion animals.

What I particularly admire about these first responders is that their commitment to saving lives extends to animals. Whether helping an animal trapped in a well or a burning building or evacuating a family with their dogs and cats during a flood, they go above and beyond to save both humans and animals. I've seen that commitment in the Yucatan firefighters we've worked alongside.