What Happens to Pets in Emergencies?

Humans are not the only ones affected or displaced by disasters or large-scale emergencies. Pets and other animals are often affected as well.

A program will be held tomorrow to train volunteers how to assist pet owners in an emergency.

The Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team, Inc. will hold an Introduction to Animal Disaster Services workshop from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1 at the , 30 Providence Road, second floor.

Individuals must register in advance by contacting training@cmdart.org. Participants are asked not to contact the town or host agencies where the events are being held.

There is a $25 tax-deductible fee for the course which covers the cost of the training and materials and a small added fee for T-shirts and IDs once people join the organization. 

The course is co-sponsored with the Grafton Emergency Management Agency.

The disaster animal response team is an independent, charitable, non-profit, tax-exempt organization that provides information, training, support, supplies and personnel to help plan, prepare and respond to aid animals affected by man-made or natural disasters. The team serves the communities of Central Massachusetts, with special emphasis on Worcester County.

Because New England has seen an increase in unprecedented natural weather incidents recently, the disaster team and local emergency management agencies are stepping up efforts to assist pet owners to reduce public safety risks when pet owners will not leave their pets behind.

This introductory course is designed to increase the number of trained responders in the local area. The course offers an overview about how to be personally prepared, tips for sheltering in place, and an introduction to emergency animal sheltering.

It will cover the who, what, when, where and why of animal disaster response including the requirements for being a responder and how people can help even if they cannot go out. The course offers an overview of psychological issues to consider when working disasters, teaches how to make a personal plan, and introduces the basic forms used in emergency animal sheltering. 

Attendees are asked to go to the website at www.cmdart.org to print out and complete volunteer paperwork prior to coming to the course.

For more information, visit www.cmdart.org.