The Mighty Pawz Special Operations was established in 2024 to provide emergency care to animals in emergency situations.

Based in Bethlehem, PA the unit is comprised of volunteers trained in basic animal care to Veterinarian Technicians. Paramedics, EMTS, Nurses, and fire-rescue personnel are also part of the group. Together, they are able to provide a vast amount of services ranging animal abuse investigations all the way to assisting on a multi-alarm barn fire where livestock is at risk. When needed, they can provide setting up triage, emergency transports, on scene medical care, and animal rescues regardless of the animal (dog, deer, etc.). Care

While primarily responding within the Lehigh Valley, Mighty Pawz has created a strong relationship with area emergency services, animal hospitals, and private homeowners. Another bright spot of Mighty Pawz was recently entering a partnership with the ASPCA for disaster relief during natural disasters. As mentioned above, while providing care for animals is what the unit is based on, the group has certified EMTS, and nurses which can provide aid to humans as well during natural disasters. This also provides protection and care to the volunteers of Mighty Paws during a rescue operation.

Mighty Pawz operates a trio of repurposed apparatus to assist when needed. They operate a 1988 FMC/Spartan pumper (1500/500) which can be used to provide drinking water or for cooling off a large herd of animals during a fire or high temps. For the rescues where height or lifting is a factor, they have acquired a 1991 Seagrave 100' rearmount ladder they was formally from East Orange, NJ. The third piece is a mid 2000's Freightliner/Medic Master ambulance that saw service with PG County, MD. The equipment carried on the apparatus is just about the same that you would see at a fire (hoses, tools, generators, etc) with a few exceptions, one being a mobile wash stations that can be set up on scene.

As with any volunteer organization, they are looking for more volunteers who would like to join a unique type of emergency service, and donations. The Mighty Pawz Special Operations Unit got it's start by being a doggie day care/boarding facility and has grown to offering trained emergency care to animals.