Burlington, Vermont - March 15, 2011
On March 2, a new partnership was finalized that will help better protect our region's household pets during disasters.
The Vermont and New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross and the Vermont Disaster Animal Response Team are now working to establish a framework of cooperation to provide emergency response resources for animal owners and their pets.
Red Cross Chief Response Officer Tim Stetson says Hurricane Katrina brought the issue of animal well-being to the forefront. Emergency shelters do not allow animals with the exception of service animals, and many responders find people are unwilling to leave their homes if they have to leave their pets behind.
Thanks to this partnership, Stetson says families in our region will have resources available to help both them and their pets should a disaster occur.
This effort will require local response teams in numerous counties, as well as people to help with planning and coordination. To volunteer, contact Tim Stetson at stetson@nvtredcross.org or Dr. Jackson R. Schonberg, chair of the VDART Board of Directors, at jschonberg@vermontel.net.
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