About Colorado SART

The SART model was developed in North Carolina after the devastating impact of Hurricane Floyd in 1999. After Floyd, visionaries from several state agencies and not-for-profit organizations began working together to build a model that would serve to protect both people and animals in the future.

Across the nation, there are numerous SART-type programs emerging in perhaps half of the states.  While there are necessarily signficant differences between state programs, they all have certain features in common.  SART-type programs provide a partnership between state government, non-governmental organizations, industry and volunteers.  In Colorado, the SART program provides a resource development and training network that complements the efforts of state agencies. CO SART is in a unique position to be able help forge a strong statewide coalition. 

      Colorado SART originated at the April 29-30, 2003 Colorado Summit on Animal Emergency Preparedness, a national pilot program sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and the North Carolina State Animal Response Team. 80 people representing 60 governmental and not-for-profit organizations voiced strong support for the formation of a SART program. By the end of June of 2003, the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation had agreed to develop the program and hired a director. In 2004, Colorado SART provided regional County Animal Response Team development training across all of Colorado.

The development of the Colorado State Animal Response Team program and local response capabilities across the state is a complex and challenging task. We are making good progress, but your support is needed!

     CVMF Animal Emergency Management Projects: