[Sam I Am]

I just think the world of this org...what a great job they do.

I found this today while surfing their site...a training course for volunteers on being a first responder for pets in case of disaster.

Hurricane Ike Is Coming!

Was wondering if anyone else had done this or knows more about it?

[leorah]

I haven't done this, but a former colleague in the Tampa area is very active in the local FEMA disaster response programs and mentioned the animal aspect to me quite a while ago. At the time I was still working and I guess I forgot about it. I wasn't aware that these opportunities existed through Best Friends, so you've given me something to think about!

Thanks for posting this, Sam. Like you, I'm eager to learn if anyone on the forums has enrolled as a first responder.

[riveree]

I don't know if she's had that particular training , but a friend of mine from NY did this during Katrina. She was part of a mobile team that went in as soon as it was safe to do so and they had a special vehicle and everything. I think one of the dogs is still living with her now.

(I can get you in contact with her if you'd like)

[Sam I Am]

I'd like to know more about it, yes...I'm contacting Best Friends to check into their program because it seems they are allowed into places fairly quickly, whereas some of the smaller rescues are not. I'm in no position to sign up now, but maybe next year? (Tomorrow, tomorrow, it's always a day away!)

Does anyone know if the Red Cross runs an animal rescue team or not?

[leorah]

I don't think the Red Cross itself has an Animal Response Team. I think they now work in conjunction with certain animal welfare groups like HSUS and IFAW and Best Friends on disaster preparedness and response. Massachusetts and New Hampshire have state disaster animal response teams that coordinate planning with the Red Cross, but I think this is something new since Katrina. It appears the state groups are actively seeking volunteers, at least around where I live.

I only know this because after Sam's first post in this thread I started to investigate options near where I live....

[TracySam]

I've been a donor to Best Friends for years. They have this wonderful ranch where they provide homes and medical care to all sorts of animals considered un-adoptable. They took most of the dogs rescued from the Michael Vick compound, and are working hard to help socialize them for future adoption. Plus the disaster response they do is awesome.


Another excellent organization who does similar work is North Shore Animal League. They are based in Long Island NY, but do their work nation-wide. They are one of the bigger groups who are often allowed to go into devastated areas after disaster strikes.