Disaster Training Workshop Held at the Valley Animal Center

Photo: Lauren Shiebelhut, Adoption Counselor, works on the logistics of planning an emergency shelter with her group while Instructor Susan Keyes answers a question.

What an exciting weekend – and not just because of the inauguration! The Valley Animal Center hosted the Humane Society of the United States for Disaster Animal Response Team (D.A.R.T.) training from January 16th through 18th. 26 students, including four Valley Animal Center employees, attended the workshop.

Three intense days covering everything they would need to know to help animals in a disaster culminated in a very exciting and realistic tabletop exercise. Nadine Berumen, Adoption Counselor, said “I felt really inspired to be around so many people who feel as passionate about helping animals as I do. I’m even more motivated to practice my pet CPR and first aid!”

Assistant Shelter Manager Lisa Gallyer noted that although the tabletop exercise was frustrating at times, “It really helped me to focus on what happens during a disaster. I learned a lot and hopefully will be prepared to help if something goes wrong in our community.”

The Valley Animal Center was delighted to be able to host this workshop for interested volunteers in the community, and we’re already looking forward to next month’s “Bridging the Communication Gap: Spanish for Shelters” seminar. For more information about these and other educational opportunities at the Valley Animal Center, email Education Coordinator Jessica Handly at Jessica.handly@valleyanimal.org.