Disaster Preparedness

Dr. Combs pitches in after Katrina

Not only is there a need for human rescue during disasters, our animal companion friends need help too. As hurricane Katrina showed, when families are endangered and displaced by disaster, so too are our pets. Without our help, many companion animals will perish in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Many more will succumb to dehydration, disease and starvation when the only source of food and care they have ever known is long gone. It's not for lack of trying, though. Who would be willing to leave their beloved companion behind when the cavalry comes? The truth is, the cavalry will very often refuse space to your companion, space held reserve for other pet owners that will also be forced to leave their companions behind.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has put together a great disaster preparedness guide for families with pets. You can access it here.

Dr. Hubert attends a kitten found amid the destruction of New Orleans

Locally, the first responders will be The Weld County Animal Response Team (CART).

"The Weld County Animal Response Team is not a government agency, but rather a public/private partnership aimed at providing resources and education to help people deal more effectively with animals of all types in a disaster situation. We are a group of law enforcement, fire, veterinary, shelter, and other agencies with a shared goal of increasing awareness of animal issues in disasters through public education and awareness. We will also assist in providing resources to local jurisdictions throughout the county in the event of a disaster. Weld CART is also part of an eleven county Northeast Region and will provide assistance to other counties in our region upon their request."

To help CART, make a tax-deductible donation to The Humane Society of Weld County. Please be sure to specify that your donation should go to the CART fund.