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One year ago, we all watched in horror as the LA fires created mass chaos and destruction. Today marks the anniversary of the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, which combined to claim 31 lives and destroy over 16,000 structures. Animal responders worked tirelessly to answer urgent calls for help, providing food and water for animals who were inside mandatory evacuation zones or who were missing. Volunteers from Northern California, including the North Valley Animal Disaster Group (NVADG) and Napa CART, stepped up to support the response. Napa CART volunteers, leveraging skills gained through CART trainings, worked remotely as hotline operators, coordinating information after speaking with community members, maintaining a vital lifeline for animals in need for 18 days. Efforts like these were made possible by the deployment of Shelterly, a system for tracking, managing, and caring for animals and field team responses that was developed by Trevor Skaggs. Shelterly was activated for over 30 days throughout both fires impacting approximately 2300 animals including cats just like Aggie, in addition to Koi Ponds that survived. One year later, much good has come from the animal responder community who have worked together to share lessons learned and improved options for animals left behind. In March of 2025, at the Cal CARTs Summit hosted in Davis, California, multiple LA area responders shared their stories and their experience with CARTs from across the state, including representatives from LA City and LA County. Input from the activation helped teams provide feedback to strengthen Shelterly, improving field team and animal tracking and animal reunification, including a collaboration with Petco Love Lost. Thanks to the generosity of the California Veterinary Emergency Team (CVET) and the ASPCA CARTs were granted funding for access to Shelterly, PPE, equipment, and operating funds to enhance their ability to respond quickly and safely to future activations. In October 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Found Act (AB478) into law, requiring counties to plan ahead for animal reunification in large scale disasters, directly addressing some of the gaps identified from the LA fires. Over the past ten years, there have been a series of devastating disasters that have tested the existing response infrastructure for animals. As difficult as this anniversary is, one bright bit of hope is that we have moved the needle forward for the animals left behind. Interested in learning more? Connect with and join a CART in your area. Click here to see a list of animal response teams and the communities they serve. Learn more at www.calcarts.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 24, 2026 Cal CARTs 2026 Leadership and Training Summit Unites 160 Animal Responders Statewide Sixth Annual Summit Advances Standardization of Animal Disaster and Emergency Response Across Northern and Southern California Friant, CA — More than 160 animal responders from across California gathered March 17-18 at Table Mountain Casino and Resort in Friant for the 2026 California Community Animal Response Teams Leadership and Training Summit. The venue was chosen to draw participants from both Northern and Southern California, reflecting Cal CARTs’ commitment to uniting a statewide animal emergency response umbrella. Over the past decade, California has endured a series of deadly, wind-driven wildfires that have forced the mass evacuation of residents with pets and livestock. Cal CARTs aims to close the response gap for animals, and enhance integration of animal responders into county emergency plans. The annual summit series was launched in 2020 in the wake of the deadly Camp Fire. Each successive gathering has built upon shared lessons learned, training programs and objectives to advance the animal component of disaster and emergency response. CARTs across the state have been working together to standardize titles and training to effectively assist care of various species of animals in the shelters and in the field. The annual summits have facilitated development of Animal Emergency Response (AER) Titles and training recommendations designed to bolster the capacity to care for animals in shelters and those left behind during disasters. Cal CARTs, in collaboration with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Cal Animals, and the California Veterinary Emergency Team continue to refine these titles and develop training to support them. This sixth summit brought together animal control officers, the California Veterinary Emergency Team, emergency managers, law enforcement, humane organizations and CART volunteers to share agency updates, discuss the future of animal response teams, and review standardized sheltering training materials.  On day one of the Summit, State agency representatives from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Cal OES, the California Veterinary Emergency Team and CalAnimals provided updates, joined by national organizations including the ASPCA, the International Fund for Animal Welfare and American Humane Rescue. Lessons learned from the 2025 LA wildfires, and multiple disaster responses across the state highlighted the need for better integration of the animal component of response into disaster plans; as well as the need for funding to support those plans. Law enforcement and emergency management perspectives on the role of CARTs during disasters were shared by representatives from Nevada County, and national partners addressed the future of disaster response. Participants also reviewed AB 478, the FOUND Act, which seeks to address funding and enforcement for the inclusion of animals in emergency planning at the county level. “If we want animal response to truly work during disasters, it has to be built at the local level, before an incident ever happens. Counties that integrate animal response into their emergency plans, train alongside their partners, and define roles ahead of time are the ones best positioned to protect both people and animals when it matters most”, said Stefanie Geckler, president of Cal CARTs.  Summit participants engaged in an Animal Care Specialist (ACS) Shelter large scale intake tabletop exercise in a simulated mutual aid deployment. They worked together to practice animal assessment, intake, and biosecurity across various species. This was the first in a planned series of trainings to support the Animal Emergency Response (AER) titles and standardize training materials. Future summits will likely offer standardized AER training opportunities for CART teams, animal control officers, and integrated animal responders. On the second day of the Summit, participants learned about animal shelter biosecurity for small and large animals, which is a critical component of keeping sheltered animals healthy under the stress of evacuation. Grant funding was discussed and participants were provided a checklist to prepare for grant readiness, as well as an update on how Greater Good Charities can support disaster response. The third workshop session presented the use of AI as a practical tool for organizing training materials and volunteer operations, with consideration of confidentiality and proper AI use guidelines. The fourth session offered strategies for stress management and resilience among animal welfare professionals and highlighted the mental toll animal responders face.  Subsequently, participants were updated on the use of Shelterly, a disaster preparedness and response operating system that was developed specifically to track animals and response teams during emergencies and disasters. Shelterly streamlines information during an incident, increasing efficiency while allowing responders to focus on what truly matters—ensuring the safety and well-being of every animal. Shelterly continues to evolve, using feedback from animal responders and has created several new updates which will facilitate compliance with the Found Act. “With each summit, we see the animal response community becoming more cohesive, more capable, and more integrated with the broader emergency response system,” said Dr. Claudia Sonder, DVM, vice president of Cal CARTs. “This year’s gathering reflects how far we’ve come, and reinforces how much work remains to ensure animals are never an afterthought in disaster planning.” California is uniquely positioned to establish a scalable animal response template effectively integrated with first responders who hold the essential role of prioritizing human safety. The 2026 Cal CARTs Leadership and Training Summit deepened participant expertise through hands-on training, shared field insights, and meaningful cross-agency collaboration. Most importantly, it advanced focused conversations on closing the animal response gap heading into the 2026 disaster season. About Cal CARTs Cal CARTs serves as an umbrella organization for Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs) across California. CART volunteers are formally integrated into emergency operation plans, undergo background checks, complete a rigorous animal care and handling training program, and are Fireline trained for field deployment. For more information, visit www.calcarts.org . Media Contact:  Dr. Claudia Sonder, DVM Vice President, Cal CARTs Email: Claudia@CalCarts.org Website: www.calcarts.org ###

A message from Cal CARTs Board President, Stefanie Geckler: As we come to the end of this year and head into the next, I wanted to take a moment to speak to all California Community Animal Response Team (Cal CARTs) members and say thank you. Thank you for your commitment to animal rescue and thank you for your time and energy that you commit to your local Community Animal Response Team (CART). I truly respect each and every one of you for choosing to stay engaged and caring about your communities.  Cal CARTs accomplished a lot this year, and that matters. The progress we made around Animal Emergency Response Resource Titles is a big step forward and it’s something we should be proud of. At the same time, There’s still more to do, more to refine, and more voices to bring into the conversation and I see that as an opportunity for all of us to continue to share about the good work we do.  I’ve learned a lot this year about this organization and about the people who make it what it is. We are lucky to have some amazing people that invest their time, energy and soul to advance our cause. The passion is palpable and I’m proud to work alongside you. Looking ahead, I’m especially excited about the Cal CARTs Leadership and Training Summit in March 2026. This is a chance for us to come together, share knowledge, strengthen connections, and continue moving CARTs forward. I truly believe this summit will be an important milestone for Cal CARTs and for our members and I can’t wait.  As we move into the new year, I’m excited about the possibilities!  Our team will continue to advocate and to help drive the changes needed to strengthen local CARTs. I believe that together, we will continue to support each other, in blue skies and during times of need.

June is National Pet Preparedness Month. As the California hills turn gold, it is a smart time to stop and ask yourself the question — Am I truly ready if a fire starts today? Being ready involves the process of creating a disaster plan, communicating the plan with those around you, and practicing the plan with your animals. The January LA wildfires spread so rapidly under a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag declaration that even those with solid evacuation plans were unable to execute them. Many were not home when the fire started and could not return for several days. A PDS Red Flag warning is issued when extreme fire conditions are expected — the kind that can overwhelm even the most experienced responders. One of the many lessons from those fires was the need to rethink how we manage animals at the first  declaration of red flag conditions. Several stories emerged of neighbors helping to evacuate animals because they not only had each other's contact information, but because they were also familiar with the animals behavior, personalities, and needs. Those connections saved lives. The time to make those connections as part of your Red Flag Ready plan is now. Disaster preparedness is easier to take on if approached in stages. Consider starting with your individual preparedness — you, your family, and your home. The next stage is preparing your animals and their environment — which may include barns or enclosures. This is followed by sharing your plan with neighbors and animal care providers in your circle. Once you have completed these stages, practicing the plan on Red Flag Days allows you to identify gaps, and helps your animals to learn and accommodate to the conditions of evacuation and sheltering.Even one small action today can make a difference when every second counts. Here are some steps to help set you and your animals up for preparedness in action:  Step One: Individual preparedness.  Red Flag readiness begins with you. Start by assembling a Go Bag  with the essentials you would need if you had to leave home for a few days at a moment's notice. Include a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, glasses, and other personal items. Pack with the mindset that you might be away for several days. Designate a “Ready Box”  — a container placed in a convenient location where you can quickly collect high-value and critical items such as phones, computers, chargers, wallets, and important documents. Keep a written checklist nearby with the location of your must-haves to help ensure you’ll know what to include if an emergency happens. Establish a family communication plan . Use an app like WhatsApp that performs reliably during disasters. Many cell towers are damaged or destroyed by wildfires or other natural disasters, so consider apps that support satellite technology when available. Hold a brief family meeting to confirm that everyone knows how to use the app and agrees to check in on Red Flag Days. Take time today to review your home insurance policy . Construction costs have doubled in the last decade — many policies no longer reflect actual rebuild costs. Update your coverage if needed, and walk through your home with your phone camera or video to document possessions for your records. Secure your critical documents off-site in a lockbox or safety deposit box . Fireproof safes have proven unreliable in the extreme temperatures of recent firestorms.  Your Home and Barn Create defensible space  by trimming back all vegetation and ladder fuels to at least 10 feet. Clear the area around all buildings of anything combustible, including cushions, furniture, and decor.  Hay should be stored separately from animal enclosures. Once ignited, hay takes two to three times more water to extinguish than other materials, spreads rapidly, and burns extremely hot. Additionally, remember to: Create a well-lit loading area for large animals that is free of debris and provides good traction. Ensure your driveway is clear for emergency vehicle access. There should be ample room for a rig to turn around and reach water sources on your property.       Create a perimeter fence and establish a defensible area where animals could be turned out safely if evacuation is delayed. Never turn large animals loose onto the road. Check that barn doors function properly and can be securely closed. Horses will return to a burning barn if they are stressed, seeking the comfort of their stall. Clean gutters on all outbuildings in May or June each year to help prevent roof ignition. Ensure every structure has a working fire alarm, and a spigot with an associated hose. Attach hoses and fill water troughs as part of your Read Flag Readiness routine. Post emergency contact numbers in both your home and barn, including local dispatch, animal haulers, and veterinarians. Hang Pet ID sheets in visible locations in your home and barn. Include recent photos, physical descriptions, vaccine records, dietary needs, veterinary contact info, emergency contacts, and behavioral notes. Stage collars, leashes, halters, and lead ropes for each animal, with attached identification tags that include your address and phone number. Stage emergency gear including headlamps, work gloves, a first aid kit, bolt cutters, and zip ties in an easily accessible location. Your Animals Place any daily medications in a small cooler box along with written instructions. Ensure the cooler is easy to grab in case of evacuation, and check medications regularly for expiration dates or storage needs. Gather one week’s worth of feed for each animal and either load it into the back of your vehicle or stage it by the front door. Include a one-liter bottle of water per dog or cat, and five-gallon buckets of water for hooved animals. This preparation supports both evacuation and shelter-in-place scenarios. On Red Flag Days, remove fly masks, sheets, nylon halters, or any other flammable materials from animals who live outside. Work with your veterinarian to ensure all animals are current on vaccines and have been microchipped. Confirm that each microchip is registered with your current address and contact information, including your email and phone number. Identify a trusted neighbor or animal caregiver who can be present or nearby on Red Flag Days. Make sure they are familiar with your animals, your emergency plan, and how to reach you quickly if a situation arises.           Practice on Red Flag Days Train your animals to come when called and to stand quietly for gathering. This behavior should be consistent not only with you, but also with a trusted neighbor or animal caregiver. Practice loading your companion animals into a crate and your large animals into a trailer. Use treats and allow them to spend some time in confinement. Reward calm behavior to build positive associations with the experience. Chickens can also be trained to come when called and to load into a crate. Be aware that chickens should not be sheltered at communal shelters due to biosecurity concerns. Have a separate, safe plan for them. Identify a friend or acquaintance across town who can serve as a temporary hauler and as a safe waiting location, if a fire breaks out. Practice the short trip in advance and troubleshoot details such as shade, parking, and water access. On Red Flag Days, gather grazing animals into a catch pen to reduce time and stress if evacuation becomes necessary. Cats who are difficult to catch should be confined to a single room — such as a bathroom or bedroom — with their litter box on Red Flag Days. This allows for quicker evacuation and reduces risk of escape.           Your Community Talk to your local animal shelter, humane society, farm bureau, or horse council. Find out who is responsible for the animal evacuation plan in your area. How will you receive alerts? Do you know where the animal shelters are located, and what services they provide?             Volunteer with a local Community Animal Response Team (CART). You’ll learn valuable assessment and first aid skills for your animals, and enhance your ability to help your animals and those around you. Once you’ve completed these steps, you will be in a much stronger position to keep your animals safe — whether you're home when a fire breaks out or not. Think of Red Flag planning the way we once thought of fire drills in elementary school. If a Red Flag warning is issued, stop what you're doing, stand up, and practice your Red Flag Day routine. Day or night, windy or calm — this practice will make all the difference when every moment counts.

Approximately 72% of American households own at least one pet. The human-animal bond (HAB) is defined as a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals, influenced by behaviors essential to the health and well-being of both (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2019).  Scientific research has increasingly documented the positive impacts of this bond on human physical, psychological, and social health. Protecting this bond in emergencies and disasters has been shown to improve community resilience and recovery. Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs) train volunteers to assist the animal component of response, with the main objective of protecting the human animal bond. For most pet owners, the psychological health benefits of interacting with a pet are immediately evident. They include reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression and reduced incidence of loneliness. This is especially true for seniors and for those with diminished peer relationships. Physical benefits include improved cardiovascular health. Dogs in particular can induce lower blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, and decreased cardiovascular disease - mainly via the increased physical activity associated with regular dog walking. Rain or shine, dogs need to go for walks, horses need to be fed and cleaned up after, and chicken eggs need to be gathered.    Early life exposure to pets may lead to improved immune system development and decreased likelihood of allergies and asthma. Anecdotally, children who have to care for pets at a young age develop better executive functioning skills. The social health benefits of pet ownership include enhanced social interactions and community belonging. Dog walking leads to more social interactions and a greater sense of community. Those who enjoy horses often share a barn community. Therapy and service animals help  those with disabilities, enhancing independence and quality of life.   In addition, pet ownership is associated with greater empathy, social competence, and reduced behavioral problems in children. Companion animals and horses have been shown to provide emotional and social benefits for children with autism and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Most of the scientific data associated with the human animal bond is geared towards companion animals. However, similar benefits are anecdotally associated with many different species of animals, including horses, livestock, reptiles and birds. Many rural counties host a myriad of species per property, and the interspecies interactions have their own amazing benefits for both the animals and their humans. Preserving those bonds is often a high priority for pet owners. The human-animal bond provides a wide range of scientifically supported benefits to psychological, physical, and social health. Protecting that bond in times of disaster is a key mission of local CARTs.  In honor of your pet, and all the joy they bring, consider supporting or volunteering with a CART in your area.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 22, 2025 Cal CARTs Training Summit Held to Enhance Animal Response Coordination   Summit Focuses on Standardized Training, Cross-Agency Collaboration, and Lessons from Recent Deployments Davis, CA— Over two dozen counties across California were represented at this year’s Cal CARTs Summit, where animal response stakeholders came together to strengthen disaster preparedness and develop standardized training for Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs). The summit, held at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Center, marked the fifth statewide gathering since Cal CARTs was established in 2019. This past week, animal response stakeholders from across California came together to share lessons learned and develop standardized training for Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs). The original Cal CARTs summit, established in 2020, after the deadly Camp Fire, highlighted the urgent need for animal specific mutual aid. Cal CARTs serves as an umbrella organization for CARTs that have integrated trained volunteers into their community emergency action plans. These volunteers undergo background checks, complete a rigorous animal care and handling training program, and are Fireline trained for field deployment.    The summit was hosted by the CVET team at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Center. Leaders from Cal OES, the CDFA, Cal CARTs and Cal Animals as well as representatives from national organizations —including American Humane, The ASPCA, Greater Good Charities, and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) provided updates and insights.  Responders from recent Los Angeles wildfires and Hurricane Helene shared valuable lessons learned from their deployments. Drawing on these experiences, they, along with summit participants, identified key preparedness and response gaps and outlined action items ahead of the 2025 disaster season. On the second day of the summit, the CVET team trained CART volunteers to triage animals in disaster scenarios and effectively communicate those assessments with leaders and attending veterinarians. Volunteers also learned about grant opportunities to support CART operations, and received hands-on training with Shelterly and CALTopo applications, which are used during responses to track animals and volunteers in the field. One clear gap that remains for animal response, is the lack of funding and enforcement for the PETs Act, which was established after Hurricane Katrina to ensure pets are included in emergency planning. Without this support, the animal component of response remains largely excluded from county emergency action plans and is often left to non-profit organizations to manage. The newly proposed Found Act, initiated after the LA fires, seeks to address this issue. Once human safety and security are established within the warm zones, allowing trained volunteers to assist the animal component of response significantly improves outcomes for pet owners, first responders, and the affected animals. A successful model that has worked well in Northern California over the past several years pairs CART volunteers with Animal Control Officers for field deployments. This approach not only provides the security and safety emergency managers seek after a disaster but also ensures animals are handled by individuals with species-specific knowledge and training. Involving a veterinary team from the outset supports shelter biosecurity efforts—such as disease prevention and containment—and ensures injured animals receive timely care. This collaborative approach is a key component of a comprehensive animal response plan. California is uniquely positioned to establish an animal response template that is scalable and effectively integrated with first responders who must prioritize human safety. The 2025 Cal CARTs summit deepened participant expertise through hands-on training, shared field insights, and meaningful cross-agency collaboration. It also increased engaged, focused conversations around next steps to close the animal response gap, ensuring animal care is better aligned with first responder priorities. Media Contact: Dr. Claudia Sonder, DVM President, Napa CART, President, Cal CARTs Email: Claudia@CalCarts.org Website: www.calcarts.org

When a disaster or emergency happens, preparedness makes all the difference for animals and their families. Across California, Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs) enhance disaster response efforts by providing coordinated support for animal care, evacuation and sheltering. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on the Amador County Animal Response Team (ACART) - a dedicated group of volunteers who have been committed to animal welfare and disaster response since 2009. A History of Service ACART has been actively responding to disasters for over 15 years, assisting in major incidents such as the Butte Fire in 2015, the Caldor Fire in 2021, and the Electra Fire in 2022. During the Butte and Caldor Fires, ACART collaborated with neighboring county CARTs due to the fires crossing county lines and involving multiple agencies. In each of these emergencies, ACART successfully housed hundreds of animals over multiple weeks, providing 24-hour care. Most recently, in the summer of 2024, ACART provided services at cooling centers during heat waves, ensuring the safety and well-being of animals affected by extreme temperatures. Commitment to Training and Readiness ACART conducts monthly training sessions on a variety of topics relevant to disaster response, including animal care, crisis intervention, biohazard security, and more. Members are currently training on the use of Shelterly, a specialized tool for intake, housing, and animal care management. All ACART members are certified Disaster Service Workers (DSWs) and participate in ongoing FEMA training prior to deployment, ensuring they are fully prepared to respond effectively during emergencies. Proactive Community Engagement Beyond disaster response, ACART actively works to support seniors and residents in outlying rural areas of Amador County by distributing Senior Go Bags for cats and dogs. These ACART-sponsored Go Bags contain essential animal supplies to help pet owners quickly and safely evacuate with their animals.  Additionally, ACART engages each year with CalFire, the Amador Fire Protection District, and the Amador County Office of Emergency Services in Firewise Outreach efforts throughout Amador County, helping educate the community on wildfire preparedness and evacuation planning. Looking Ahead As ACART continues its essential work, they are grateful for the ongoing support and training offered by Cal CARTs and the California Veterinary Emergency Team (CVET). They look forward to participating in the 2025 Cal CARTs Summit, where they will continue learning and developing new skill sets. Why CARTs Matter ACART is one of twenty-four active CARTs in California. CARTs are essential in closing the gap in disaster response time, improving positive outcomes for animals, and enhancing community resilience. Cal CARTs, established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2023, works alongside state agencies and animal welfare stakeholders to standardize training, improve interoperability, while supporting local teams like ACART in their lifesaving efforts. Get Involved Supporting CARTs like ACART is crucial to ensuring that animals are cared for in times of crisis. Whether through volunteering, donations, or community education, your involvement makes a difference. To learn more about ACART, visit Amador County Animal Response Team . To support the broader mission of Cal CARTs, visit   www.calcarts.org . Together, we can create a more prepared and resilient future for California’s animals and their communities.

Do you have a pet who is due for a dental? Have you been putting it off? Poor oral health has been associated with a myriad of medical conditions in both humans and animals. Starting early with preventative visits is the best way to safeguard the long term health of your pet.  There are additional benefits to those veterinary visits which can significantly help your pet in times of disaster. Getting in and out of the crate and having to wait in a kennel simulates the transport and confinement of evacuation and shelter. The more pets learn to load up and feel comfortable crated, the less stress they experience in a disaster shelter situation. Remaining current on vaccinations, deworming, and flea protection helps safeguard pets from the infectious disease onslaught they might experience in a stressed shelter situation. A microchip can be inserted in a regular visit which will help you to find your pet in a disaster and increase the hold time of the animal if picked up by animal control after fleeing a disaster area.  Maintaining your pets preventative medicine plan optimizes their overall health. If they have to be sheltered or evacuated, their immune systems benefit from that health basis. The socialization of veterinary visits helps your pet to tolerate new faces- both human and other. This comes in handy when they are in a shelter situation. Take a moment today to schedule that overdue appointment.  In the meantime, practice loading up in a crate with a treat reward. Pick a day each month for your animal to load up, eat a treat and spend some time in the crate.   The more accustomed to this they become, the less stress they will experience when they have to load up. And of course….enjoy the good breath for a moment..at least until the next dental visit is suggested.

During large-scale disasters, such as the Eaton and Palisades wildfires in Los Angeles, animals are often left behind. The rapid spread of a wind-driven fire—essentially a “fire in the sky”—forces people to flee for their lives. For these fires in particular, many animals were left at home while families went to work for the day and were unable to return in time to evacuate them. Even with the best intentions and detailed plans, many are unable to gather all their animals in time. Take cats for example, we know they easily sense panic and often hide or flee. And stressed horses may refuse to load, or goats in pastures can be nearly impossible to catch. In a firestorm spreading both on the ground and through the air, fire officials face immense challenges just keeping their teams safe, let alone assisting community members and volunteers who want to return for animals. Over the past decade, we've repeatedly seen fire officials prioritize human life above all else, an essential and unavoidable decision. This prioritization creates a delay in addressing the animal component of disaster response and is sometimes hard for us to understand. But, we must trust the judgment of these seasoned fire officials who understand what it takes to save lives. Once the fire has passed through, the challenges don’t end. Toxic waste, jagged debris, live wires, burning batteries, and other hazards make post-fire environments extremely dangerous. Well-intentioned rescuers searching for animals can face severe risks, including toxic exposure to visible and invisible chemicals, which can shorten lifespans; a sobering reality we’ve learned over time. The Reality of Animals in Disaster Zones Yes, animals are often left in these toxic and hazardous conditions. And no, we don’t like the fact that days after a disaster, animals may still be stranded. However, as we continue learning from these firestorms, we are identifying safer, faster ways to bridge the response gap, working closely with responders and veterinarians. Human safety must always remain the top priority. The Safety Algorithm When training CART (Community Animal Response Team) volunteers for disaster deployments, we emphasize the “safety algorithm.” This approach ensures that safety remains paramount during rescue efforts. Here's how it works: Responders are taught to prioritize their own safety You come first.  The safety of the volunteer is the highest priority. Volunteers are trained and sworn to help, but they must prioritize their own well-being. Your team comes second.  Look out for the trained individuals around you—those with radios, assessing hazards, and ensuring the scene is as safe as possible. The animals come third.  This can be a difficult concept to process, but it’s essential. While our mission is to help animals, the safety algorithm places their rescue after human safety. Emergency managers, county officials, and first responders will only support and train volunteers if they trust that the safety algorithm is upheld and the incident command system is followed. Moving Forward with Trust and Readiness For those feeling frustrated or angry that more hasn’t been done for the animals, we must trust the experience of those on the ground. These individuals understand the complexities of keeping people safe in disaster zones. When they need our help, we must be ready to provide it within their established systems. This can happen if the animal component of response is formally integrated into the county disaster plan. There is much work to do to ensure that this happens in California.

By: Dr. Claudia Sonder, DVM People often ask me, “What is a Community Animal Response Team, or CART?” My answer often starts with a few follow-up questions: Do you have pets at home? Do you like working with animals? If so, what types of animals? Additionally, I’ll ask: Have you ever had to evacuate during a disaster? I’d like for you to imagine a scenario where you couldn’t get home during an emergency—what would happen to your animals? Are they prepared to be evacuated? Joining a local CART is a rewarding way to gain valuable experience working with animals while also serving your community during emergencies or disasters. CART volunteers receive life-saving training that benefits both themselves and their pets. There are numerous volunteer roles within a CART to fit people of all backgrounds and skill levels: Providing care for animals in temporary shelters Serving on an animal assistance hotline Dispatching response teams from a command center Serving as a field radio communicator Assisting animals left behind or evacuating animals in distress Many administrative roles can even be performed from home during emergencies, making it possible for more people to get involved in vital ways. CARTs are integrated into the county’s emergency plans and collaborate closely with animal control officers, first responders, and emergency managers to safely address animal-related needs in crises. Whether training or deployed in the field, CART volunteers work together to problem-solve, develop their skills, and expand their knowledge. Join a CART today! To find a list of active CARTs in California, visit:   www.calcarts.org .