Luzerne County Animal Response Team Frequently Asked Questions:
How much lead time do you need to get the CART people to the disaster area?
911 calls us to deploy if we are activated. We respond within an hour, response time may vary depending on what we are responding to but at least a team leader will be on the ground to make an assessment if needed. On-site quickly we have volunteers throughout the county.
What are the locations where the sheltering will be done? Including shelter locations for large animals, livestock, exotics?
We have various shelter locations for all types of animals (pets and large animals) that are predetermined when possible via MOU countywide and they vary. We pick the best location based on the disaster at hand and our assessment of the situation/circumstances.
Who will be taking the animals? Is it CART volunteers, trained veterinary personnel?
We may open a full shelter (generally for 30 animals or more).
We may have a temporary shelter set up for fewer animals.
We may board/shelter a few (small amount ~ less than 25) in predetermined vets offices/kennels, etc (once again MOU with) if the disaster does not warrant the opening of a full shelter.
CART volunteers care for the pets (and/or with vet office staff etc if off-site/ boarding).
In either case, the pets are CART responsibility (intake).
Can the owner drop off the pet at the designated shelter?
Yes, owners can drop off (intake) pets at our shelter or the staging location.
How do you identify and track pets to its owner?
Policies are in place to ID/Track animals for CART.
Can you visit your pet? Is there a list of rules we can share with our residents?
Yes, visits are allowed. Specific hours and rules would be set at the shelter.
What do owners need to provide at the time the pet is taken (i.e. crate, muzzle, leash, food, water bowl, medications, instructions, proof of shots, etc)?
Owners do not need to provide anything except info and if they have medication (if a pet is on medicine) or our vet can provide medicine if needed too.
Do you turn down any animals? If so, when would you do so?
We would not turn down any pet, although if there is a problem with them being in the shelter, we may house them off-site. All pets would still be accepted and sheltered as best we can.
Some pets must be given medications. How do you plan for, follow up on, and track the administration of medications? Who administers them?
We have veterinary care areas and vets/techs for medical needs in shelter and forms/charts for administration documentation.
How can an owner get in touch with sheltering personnel where the pet is being sheltered?
Info will be given on the onset of disaster (by media or RC) and on intake on how to contact the shelter.
Can you provide information on how you handle sheltering of exotics, including reptiles & amphibians?
We have a reptile & amphibian team for those animals and exotics and can shelter them.
How about other pets such as birds?
Birds and other exotics are also accepted. Any animal that is legally a pet or livestock can be cared for under CART.
In order for us to be prepared in the event of a disaster, should we have a list of known livestock farms, horse farms, other sites to help us, and you?
Any preparedness and planning measures you can take like those mentioned are great.
