1. County Animal Response Team (CART) Development
2. Support of state multi-agency coordination, resource development and training efforts
3. SART Field Operations Team development
4. Public outreach through publications, Web site, and displays at public events
5. Networking with other SART programs nationally.

1. County Animal Response Team (CART) development:

• Colorado SART is helping communities across our state develop local plans for animal issues in emergencies and help train local resources to effectively address those issues.
• click here to find out more about CART programs!

2.  Support of Multi-agency coordination, resource development, and training efforts.

• SART is working with our steering committe agencies and others to develop a unified support system for animal emergency issues in Colorado.  Anchored in the Colorado Multi-Agency Coordination Center in Centennial, Colorado will have an effective, unified system for addressing all animal-related disaster issues.
• SART and our partner agencies are working to create the resources, including trained teams, equipment, and supplies to ensure an effective animal emergency resposne.  This is a tremendously challenging task that we have only begun.
• SART and our partners are working to develop and deliver training in our state, including incident command and resource management, animal evacuation, animal rescue, animal sheltering, hazardous materials, veterinary disaster medicine, animal disease response, animal decontamination, and other essential training.  Unfortunately, we have been very limited in our resources and have only begun this process.

3.  SART Field Operations Team

• We currently have a single SART Field Operations Team based on the Front Range, but eventually we would like several regional teams. 
• SART Field Operations Team personnel were essential to the success of Operation Safe Haven and Operation Pet Lift in the Katrina Response. 
• The SART Field Operations Team is in need of support to take this project to the next level of capacity.

4. Public outreach and education concerning disaster preparedness for families with pets and livestock and for animal-related businesses.

• Helping the public understand and take proactive steps to ensure that they are ready to take care of their pets and livestock during emergencies
• Helping animal-related facilities such as veterinary clinics and animal shelters develop preparedness plans to protect people, animals and facilities.

5.   Networking with SART and similar state programs nationally in an effort to coordinate states with each other, the federal government, and national animal welfare organizations.  Some of the critical challenges include:

• Resource typing and resource mobilization mechanisms
• Standardization of training
• Creating a true national plan for protection of animals and people during emergencies

Colorado SART is in need of the following:

People: 

• CO SART needs people to become involved in County Animal Response Teams, the SART Field Operations Team, and with supporting SART programs
• Specific personnel needs include:
• Animal care and control professionals
• Veterinarians and veterinary technicians
• Livestock professionals
• Concerned citizens who are willing to learn and contribute within an organized structure

Resources:

• Locations:  CO SART is in need of warehousing space for emergency equipment and supplies
• Cargo trailers for housing mobile equipment and supplies.
• Technical animal rescue equipment and trailers:  SART and CART programs are in need of equipment to aid in the rescue and transportation of livestock involved in transportation accidents and other emergencies.
• Response Equipment:
  • Mobile veterinary equipment
  • Geographic Positioning System (GPS) units
  • Binoculars
  • Radios
  • Tents and canopies
  • Chain link kennel panels
• Supplies (we are currently seeking trailers and warehousing areas prior to making a public appeal for these donations)
  • Airline kennels
  • Stainless steel dog bowls
  • Towels, blankets

Colorado SART's most critical need is in funding support.  Your donations will provide critical funds to ensure full-time staff support for these statewide efforts and to allow for the development, communcations, training, resource support, and planning support to ensure that animals are protected in all emergencies, thus protecting people as well.

You can support SART by sending donations to:

Colorado State Animal Response Team

789 Sherman Street, Suite 550

Denver, CO  80203

For more information, contact:

• 303.539.7633
• 1-855-854-SART (7278)

You may also download and mail in or fax in a donation form by clicking here:

While many have watched with dismay at the animal suffering brought by Hurricane Katrina, we might ask if catastrophic events could create comparable issues in Colorado.  The answer is yes!

Wildfires in populated areas, dam failure, severe tornadoes, flash floods, hazardous materials accidents, and terrorist attacks could all result in massive danger for both people and animals.  The only way to avoid the dramatic failure in animal protection seen in Hurricane Katrina is to have community animal emergency plans and a state animal emergency plan that provides for adequate response capacity, including trained responders, equipment, supplies, and a highly developed communications network. 

Your donations are critical to ensure that our state will be prepared for any disaster, any animal, anywhere in Colorado!