CMDART Central MA Disaster Animal Response Team

Last week the dogs promised I would write a blog about the emergency group that sponsored the agility training booth at the Whisker Walk. I wanted a chance to find their website so others could learn more and perhaps find out what resources are available in their area.

CMDART is short for Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team. They are not an emergency shelter in the way most people think of animals in harm’s way needing immediate help. This group deploys during emergencies in the way the Red Cross deploys for humans in disasters or emergencies that require evacuations, etc. Since many human shelters do not accept pets, this group fills that gap providing safe havens for pets during those emergencies so pet and owners can be safely reunited.

The booth we visited had checklists and kits for people to purchase to help them get their pets ready for evacuation. They emphasized the need to have accurate vet records, medication, and picture identification with pet and owner easily accessible in an emergency. I had never thought of the photograph with you and the animal. They emphasized that it was far easier to prove ownership if you could show a picture with the animals. Having your pet's food and crate is also something worth having ready to put in your car if headed to an emergency pet shelter. The website also provided a list of pet friendly hotels in the area they cover.

Prior to visiting this booth, I was not aware that any group existed like this in our state. I would be interested to know what others know about emergency evacuation options are available in their states.

To be clear I am not associated in any way with this group. I do not want anyone to think I speak for the team. I do not. My first encounter with the group was at the Whisker Walk. Lately, I have become more concerned with emergency preparations. I know others share this interest. I plan to share reliable resources and information when I find it.

Shelties and Garden Safety

While reading Chunyo's Corner's blog entry yesterday, I started thinking about our gardens and our shelties. Bailey and Katy are part Hoover vacuum and it is important to be aware of which plants are toxic to them.

For my own reference, I am listing the link here so I can find and refer back to it again. The ASPCA has a list that categorizes plants as toxic and non-toxic for cats, dogs, and horses. While Bailey has never eaten any of our toxic plants, it is important that we are aware of the dangers, especially since Katy is more of a plant snack eater.

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