Cape Cod Disaster Animal Response Team to hold volunteer training
The Federal Pets Act of 2006 is not one of the more famous acts of legislation. But it has an impact on how emergency planners do their jobs. Experience nationwide shows that people put themselves at risk and don’t seek emergency shelters if they have to leave their pets behind.
The act states that, in order to qualify their jurisdictions for FEMA reimbursement, emergency planners have to “take into account the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals prior to, during, and following a major disaster or emergency.”
CCDART, a standalone, nonprofit tax-exempt corporation, was created in 2008 to support Barnstable County’s response to the Federal Pets Act of 2006. CCDART works with the Barnstable Country Regional Emergency Planning Committee within the regional shelter system to provide an organized response to animals in disaster.
In the event of a declared emergency, CCDART may provide for rescue, triage, temporary sheltering and/or transport of animals to veterinary clinics or alternate boarding facilities.
Comprised solely of volunteers, CCDART depends on dedicated people from all walks of life united in a common love of and concern for animals. Each volunteer must complete an application, criminal background check (CORI), and additional paperwork.
For those interested in volunteering for this important emergency function, a six-week Basic Responder Training Class will start on March 29, 2014. It will be held at the Dennis Police Department every Saturday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
To sign up for the training, please visit www.ccdart.org and click on the “Volunteer” section at the top of the page. Download the volunteer application and volunteer handbook. Please review the volunteer handbook and read the “release of liability” section on page 7. Please sign page 8 and include it with the application form. In addition, please include with your application a check for $25.00 (non-refundable, tax-deductible training fee) made out to CCDART.
You can mail your application packet to CCDART, PO Box 325, West Barnstable, MA 02668, or bring it with you to the first class on March 29. If bringing applications to class, please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time.
Call 508-737-9467 with any questions.
