Pet rescue volunteers are needed in St. Petersburg, Fla., for training in pet emergency response situations. (Photo courtesy of PetSmart Charities) |
Qualified pet rescue volunteers are wanted in Florida to participate in a multi-day training exercise for a program that serves pets during disasters.
Interested pet rescue volunteers must have prior rescue training in the National Incident Management System. Pet rescue volunteers will be trained to unload items from the Relief Waggin’, learn how to operate a manual pallet jack, set up large tents, hook up and run a generator and coordinate supplies to support a rescue shelter facility as part of PetSmart Charities’ program.
On May 30, PetSmart Charities kicked off its three-day training exercise for its Emergency Relief Waggin’ program in St. Petersburg, Fla., to better serve pet victims in disasters. Training continues from 2 to 4 p.m., June 1 and from 8 a.m. to noon, June 2, at the Tradewinds Hotel in St. Petersburg.
The Emergency Relief Waggin’ program, which was launched by PetSmart Charities in March, consists of six pre-loaded semi-trailers that are stationed at PetSmart distribution centers throughout the United States.
Each pre-loaded trailer carries crates, bowls, leashes, collars, litter, food, tents, fans, a generator and various other emergency responder items. When called to duty, each Relief Waggin’ will deliver its supplies as soon as transport logistics can be completed to the designated lead animal welfare agency responding to the disaster.
The program can be activated at a moment’s notice for natural or man-made disasters, hoarding or cruelty cases that affect 350 pets or more.
For an application to be a pet rescue volunteer for the program, email Laurel Ley. For more information about PetSmart Charities’ efforts, click here or call (800) 423-PETS.