Oneida County Emergency Animal Response Team
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: June 7, 2012
It's something no one wants to think about, but when disaster strikes, it's best to be prepared.
The Oneida County Disaster Planning Committee wants to make sure you and your loved ones-- including your animals-- stay safe in the case of a disaster.
Gerald Pedersen, Deputy Director of Emergency Services says he hopes the plan will give people peace of mind even in the worst situations.
"Places like the Red Cross shelters that will house people are not allowed to house pets for example. So we have to have a plan in place to be able to take care of those pets so that people are sure that things are taken care of and are more willing to evacuate and feel more safe when they do evacuate," says Pedersen.
The County Animal Response Team, or CART will be dedicated to emergency companion animal services.
The committee is looking for volunteers from all sectors of the public including veterinarians, groomers, animal control officers, or even pet lovers who want to help.
Volunteer applications are available on the Oneida County 911 Services Web Site at www.ocgov.net. Volunteers can download and return the application via e-mail or they can mail it to: Oneida County Emergency Services, 120 Base Road, Oriskany, NY 13424.
The Oneida County Disaster Planning Committee wants to make sure you and your loved ones-- including your animals-- stay safe in the case of a disaster.
Gerald Pedersen, Deputy Director of Emergency Services says he hopes the plan will give people peace of mind even in the worst situations.
"Places like the Red Cross shelters that will house people are not allowed to house pets for example. So we have to have a plan in place to be able to take care of those pets so that people are sure that things are taken care of and are more willing to evacuate and feel more safe when they do evacuate," says Pedersen.
The County Animal Response Team, or CART will be dedicated to emergency companion animal services.
The committee is looking for volunteers from all sectors of the public including veterinarians, groomers, animal control officers, or even pet lovers who want to help.
Volunteer applications are available on the Oneida County 911 Services Web Site at www.ocgov.net. Volunteers can download and return the application via e-mail or they can mail it to: Oneida County Emergency Services, 120 Base Road, Oriskany, NY 13424.
