What do we do?
We are prepared to manage animals in disasters or
other emergencies when local resources become
overwhelmed or need added support. We also provide
other prevention and public education services to reduce
or minimize the need for disaster response altogether.
CMDART actively promotes, whenever possible and
reasonable, aiding and supporting owner-assisted care
for one's own animals during a disaster. By aiding the
animals during a disaster, we reduce the mental and
physical impact of the incident on both the owner and
animal. We also help reduce the risk of compromising
public safety when owners refuse to leave without their
pets or when they show up at human evacuation sites
where there is no provision for their animals.

Where do we serve?
CMDART serves the local and regional communities of 
Central Massachusetts and Worcester County Region 4 of
Massachusetts Emergency Management and Region 2,
Department of Public Health Emergency Preparedness. (more)

What we are not.
CMDART is not a day-to-day rescue or rescue placement
organization, but works closely with local animal control
officers and other local organizations to find placements
or re-unite animals with their owners following an incident.

When and with whom do we serve?
CMDART members do not self deploy. For local
incidents in our community, CMDART recognizes the
designated lead agent or agency in the disaster
operation and will follow the Incident Command
System (ICS) under the governing authority,
whether that be local animal control, emergency
management, the American Red Cross, fire department,
or another entity. Members are cross-trained with
the State of  Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response
Team (SMART) and national organizations including
the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS),
United Animal Nations (UAN, EARS), Noah's Wish,
International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW),
American Red Cross of Central Mass, Medical
Reserve Corp, Community Emergency Response
Teams, and others. (more)

Find out more about
our leaders.

Board of Directors
& Advisors
December 2010

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