For a decade, emergency management has been told we need a whole-of-society approach. Yet, we’ve stayed stuck in silos. The truth? That ship has sailed. What we need now is an ecosystem approach, one that embraces the interdependence of humans, animals, and the environment, not as separate parts, but as a living system.

Preparedness isn’t just about protocols; it’s about building the capacity to navigate ambiguity, lead through complexity, and respond in ways that aren’t always written down.

From Barriers to Possibility: What Decades in Animal Emergency Management & the Veterinary Profession Taught Me About Change in Complex Systems

In emergency management, especially when people, animals, and environments are deeply interconnected, the real world doesn’t follow a score. What we need is jazz.

“What would be the most helpful research in economics and emergency management from an animal welfare perspective?”

I was once asked this by a student beginning their PhD journey, and my answer was immediate:

“A true understanding of the costs to the community.”

Is optimal efficiency and clearly defined roles and responsibilities still relevant in a complex world?

Leaders who understand the human-animal-environment connection can see beyond the immediate crisis, identifying risks that might otherwise be missed, whether emerging disease threats, shifting environmental conditions, or gaps in community recovery and resilience.