The Berkshire Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) was formed under the auspices of the Berkshire Medical Reserve Corps. as a result of a heightened awareness and growing concern for the vulnerability of animals in disaster situations, and the impact a lack of animal emergency planning has had on people and communities.
The Mission of Berkshire DART is to assist with evacuation and care of animals displaced by natural and man-made disasters. This is done by operating a pet shelter concurrent with shelters for people during disasters. Berkshire DART also promotes education, safety and disaster planning assistance to animal owners.
You can get in touch with Berkshire DART using the contact form or by calling 413-539-4115. We look forward to hearing from you!
WATCH THIS GREAT VIDEO ON PET PREPAREDNESS
Since its inception, DART has conducted outreach and education initiatives at community events such as the annual Zucchini Festival in West Stockbridge, Great Barrington’s municipal rabies clinic, Family Wellness Day at Berkshire South Regional Community Center in Great Barrington, Family Wellness Hike on the Appalachian Trail in Egremont, Emergency Medical Services Annual Expo at the Berkshire Mall and many more.
Berkshire DART is part of WMDART and has established collaborative relationships with other partner organizations such as Central MA Disaster Animal Response Team (CMDART) and the State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team (SMART).
Highlights of DARTs accomplishments include the procurement of a stocked emergency cargo trailer, funded by the Western Region Homeland Security Advisory Council (WRHSAC), which enables volunteers to set up and operate an emergency animal shelter during disasters. We have had donated a microchip scanner and a decontamination kit for animals, and continue to stock our trailer to ensure that the needs of animals will be met most fully in times of community crisis.
Berkshire DART is actively seeking volunteers to assist in all capacities (some of which may not demand the completion of certain trainings), with outreach initiatives, and to staff emergency co-shelters in the event shelters must be opened.