Delaware Animal Response looking for volunteers to help animals during disasters

The Delaware Animal Response (DAR) program says that it is looking for volunteers who are interested in helping animals during disasters.

The program is recruiting community members for the Delaware State Animal Response Team (DE S.A.R.T.) and its specialized unit, the Delaware Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (DE V.M.R.C), by hosting volunteer orientation sessions in January.

People interested in volunteering with should RSVP for the orientation sessions by calling DAR Coordinator Karen Clark at 302-242-3594 or by emailing Dar@state.de.us.

One-hour orientations will be held on the following dates and times: 
•    Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., D.H.S.S. Training Center, Edgehill Shopping Center, 43 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901
•    Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, 21911 Rudder Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947
•    Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., Office of Animal Welfare, Carvel Building, Lower Level, 1901 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720

Managed by the Division of Public Health's (DPH) Office of Animal Welfare (OAW), DAR says that it is looking for volunteers with various experiences and skills. Experience with animals is preferred but not needed. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants are also needed to join the Veterinary Medical Response Corp (V.M.R.C).

Karen Clark, DAR Coordinator, says, "Volunteer orientations offer a unique opportunity for Delawareans to learn how they can support state and county efforts to keep animals, small and large, safe and protected during emergencies and disasters."

DAR volunteers reportedly give important support to pet owners who have to stay at a shelter during a disaster situation. The DAR program creates co-located pet shelters so companion animals can be safe and close to their owners. The program was created in response to lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, when many would not leave home without their pets and many pets had to be left behind by those who did evacuate.

The DAR program provides the following services: 
•    Animal evacuation and transportation
•    Animal search and rescue
•    Animal emergency sheltering
•    Veterinary medical support services
•    Public information and preparedness education

For more information about the Delaware Animal Response program, people can go here.