Utah Emergency Animal Response Coalition

The Utah Emergency Animal Response Coalition (UEARC) was established to provide information, training, and equipment for “animals in disaster and emergency situations in Utah”. UEARC was formed after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 had proven that there is a real need for animal safety and protection.

UEARC’s Goals:

1. Facilitate a prompt and effective response to animal emergency issues in Utah in a manner consistent  with the National Incident Management System and the Utah Emergency Operations Plan.

2. Reduce threats to the health and safety of humans and animals during an emergency.

3. Minimize the economic impact of animal issues during emergencies.

4. Maximize resources available for recovery efforts related to animals and animal agriculture.

5. Be a resource for training to local emergency personnel.

One of UEARC’s intent is to have functioning Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs) in all areas in Utah. In July 2009, Iron Country Area Livestock Rescue Group (Iron County’s CART team) was able to evacuate over one thousand head of livestock out of the way of a raging wildfire near New Harmony. They were also able to provide care and housing for dozens of pets and horses for 5-7 days while people were evacuated from their homes and had no other option to care for their beloved pets.  During the Mill Flat fire the team was able to save 22 horses, three llamas, a goat, and a couple of dozen cats and dogs.

The group is also trained to rescue animals from overturned trailers, stranded on cliffs, or suffering from neglect. In September UEARC assisted Salt Lake Animal Services providing a temporary shelter for pets that were displaced in the Machine Gun fire in Herriman. The animals were taken to a LDS Ward House where UEARC helped the owners to take care of  the animals until they were relocated to another shelter or returned to their homes.

One of UEARC’s missions is to help raise pet owners’ awareness how to provide a plan for themselves and for their pets in a case of a disaster. They also organize training for large animal rescue. UEARC uses the donated funds to train volunteers and to purchase equipment that can be used in the emergency situations.

Please visit www.uearc.org to help you plan for an emergency, to find out more about UEARC, or to volunteer.

Useful links:
Dog and Cat 72 hour emergency Kit: http://www.dogmode.com/pdfs/uearc_72.pdf
How to care for your pets and livestock during a disaster: http://www.dogmode.com/pdfs/uearc_family.pdf

 

Charity Code: 1120