Domestic Animal Care Team: Introduction

The Domestic Animal Care Team is devoted to ensuring the well-being of a community’s domestic animals during disaster situations.

Working in tandem with local veterinarians and animal professionals, the team strives to devise a comprehensive 24/7 strategic care plan for domestic animals that are displaced and/or injured as a result of a disaster.

The mission of the Domestic Animal Care Team is to ensure the safety and welfare of our community's animal companions during critical times when institutions and first responders are overwhelmed. The team recognizes domestic animals as integral members of our community and focuses on education for humans, strategic planning for post-disaster animal care, and emergency pet care. The team extends its efforts beyond household pets to consider the evacuation needs of large animals (e.g., horses, sheep) in specific emergencies, like wildfires, further bolstering the community's comprehensive preparedness.

Pre-Disaster Responsibilities

Pre-disaster, the Domestic Animal Care Team works in partnership with Ready Your Street on community readiness education regarding what to do with lost or injured animals. They gather information about the different types of animals in the community, plan for animal care and sheltering, stock supplies, arrange staffing, and develop emergency care plans for injured pets at the Domestic Animal Care Shelter. They also maintain a resource list of veterinarians and pet supply resources.

Also pre-disaster, they partner with local veterinary clinics to ensure care for injured animals after disaster and to provide animal first aid training to community members. In addition, they partner with the Transportation Team to coordinate transportation of injured animals to the Domestic Animal Care Shelter or to local Disaster Hubs that are equipped to handle them. Finally, they participate in planning with farmers/ranchers and stable owners for evacuation of large animals during wildfires. 

Post-Disaster Responsibilities

Post-disaster, they begin to find, catch, treat, and care for displaced and/or injured animals. They do not focus at that time on healthy pets in the companionship of their humans. They will assist with evacuation or temporary relocation of livestock and large animals, like horses.

Recovery Responsibilities

During recovery, the team works to reunite lost animals with their humand and to rehome animals that can't be reunited.