There are a number of ways that volunteers can become involved with the Colorado State Animal Response Team (SART) program, including:
Volunteer with your local County or Community Animal Response Team program (CART):
- Eventually, there will be CART programs throughout much of Colorado. By volunteering in your own community, you help create a network of resources that will allow emergency managers deal with any kind of animal issues in community emergencies.
- CART programs involve both paid personnel and volunteers, including emergency managers, animal control officers, extension personnel, veterinary professionals, livestock associations, livestock producers, brand inspectors, animal shelter personnel, law enforcement, wildlife officers, fire, EMS, public health, and concerned citizen volunteers.
- Volunteers can include concerned citizens, professionals who deal with animal issues, and professionals from a wide array of fields. The expertise of accountants, attorneys, business managers, construction professionals, grant writers, media professionals, photographers, web-designers, and many other areas of expertise can contribute effectively to the development CART programs. The only real requirement is a willingness to get involved and the commitment to make a difference. Depending on the CART program, you may be asked to volunteer with CART directly, or with one of the participating community organizations.
- In some communities, CART programs may only accept volunteers through a participating not-for-profit organization.
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Volunteers with SART through CVMF:
CO SART has a number of direct voluntary opportunities, including:
- Supporting general CO SART operations, including training programs, equipment and supply cache maintenance and resource acquisition.
- Supporting efforts to coordinate animal resources at the Colorado Emergency Operations Center. In a major disaster, this might include providing support operations at the Harrison Center for Animals, including answering phones, assisting in donations management and other essential support tasks.
- Resource development (fund raising) programs
- Helping with public outreach on preparedness
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Those interested in volunteering for SART should first go through the Community Animal Response Training program, NIMS, and ICS training (see training page) in order to effectively work within the SART/CART system.
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Colorado Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps:
The CO VMRC provides voluntary opportunities for the entire veterinary practice team, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, office management and other members of the veterinary team. Participants receive training (often with continuing education credits), opportunities to network with their peers from around the state, and a clear role in community and state-level emergencies. More information is available on the CO VMRC page.
Additional CVMF voluntary opportunites:
In addition to the above opportunities, CVMF also has opportunities for volunteers at Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital which provides veterinary care for pets of income qualified individuals animal care and control agences as well as subsidized pet sterilization services. CVMF also needs volunteers to help with special events and resource development. Call 303.318.0447 for more information. For further information, please contact:
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Kevin M. Dennison, DVM
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Director, State Animal Response Team Program
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Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation
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CVMF Harrison Center for Animals
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191 Yuma St, Denver , CO 80203
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303.539.7633 voice
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1.866.854.SART (7278) toll free
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303.318.0450 fax
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303.895.1138 cell
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