Animal Disaster Services provides temporary emergency shelter for pets of evacuees
By Nancy Stamile, President, Animal Disaster Services
Are you and your pets prepared for a possible fire, flood, or other emergency requiring you to evacuate? Animal Disaster Services, Inc. (ADS) provides a free, 24-hour temporary shelter for household pets and small domesticated animals during a disaster. ADS is entirely mobile, has predetermined shelter locations, and is under the direction of the Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management. Established in 1999, it is the only household pet emergency shelter organization in Arizona, covering all of Yavapai County.
ADS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization entirely operated by vetted and trained volunteers who maintain a clean shelter environment and regular feeding schedules and provide physical activity and social interaction. Your pet’s safety and comfort are our highest priority.
An evacuee leaving their pet with us is always a humbling experience. We know your pets are family members, and separation can cause anxiety. Our ADS members will care for your pet with extra love and attention. Since 2008, we have cared for 688 pets in 22 shelters. During one of our more significant evacuations, the 2017 Goodwin Fire, ADS sheltered 78 dogs, 61 cats, six rabbits, one lizard, and one tortoise. If you are concerned about a stable haven for your barn animals, please visit Large Animal Shelters and Emergency Readiness (LASER) at LASER-shelter.org.
ADS might be familiar to you through our attendance at local fairs, neighborhood gatherings, and Firewise events. Community awareness and emergency preparedness is also a part of our mission. Our ADS booths and presentations contain invaluable information to help guide you through an evacuation with your pet in mind. When you see our booth, please stop by and let us help you to be prepared.
Find more information at AnimalDisasterServices.com and Facebook.com/AnimalDisasterServices. Call 928.642.0758 if you would like to become a volunteer. Donations are gratefully accepted through the ADS website or may be mailed to P.O. Box 10793, Prescott, AZ 86304.