Delaware Animal Response seeks volunteers to help during disasters

The Delaware Animal Response program is seeking volunteers interested in assisting animals during disasters. The program is recruiting community members for the Delaware State Animal Response Team and its specialized unit, the Delaware Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps, by hosting volunteer orientation sessions in January. Those interested in volunteering with DAR must RSVP for the orientation sessions by contacting DAR Coordinator Karen Clark at 302-242-3594 or Dar@state.de.us.

One-hour orientations will be held· Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m., at the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, 21911 Rudder Lane, Georgetown.

Managed by the Division of Public Health's Office of Animal Welfare, DAR is looking for volunteers with various experiences and skills. Experience with animals is preferred but not necessary. Veterinarians, veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants are also sought to join the Veterinary Medical Response Corps.

"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," said Karen Clark, DAR coordinator.

DAR volunteers provide crucial support to pet owners who must stay at a shelter during a disaster situation. The DAR program establishes co-located pet shelters so companion animals can be safe and close to their owners. The program was established 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, visit: http://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/oaw/dar.html.