As the state’s designated responder for animals in distress during natural disasters, AHS is called to set up temporary shelters where needed while our EAMTsTM apply their FEMA and Wild Land Fire Fighter training to save lives.
6/24/19: AHS’ Disaster Response Team Returns to Phoenix
Despite the Woodbury Fire growing in size, the first responders are doing a remarkable job of protecting structures in the area so that no further evacuations have been required. Our Disaster Response team has returned to Phoenix as Gila County Animal Care & Control continue to care for the pets at the emergency animal shelter located at the Miami Intermediate School. Our team remains in contact with GCACC should any further support be necessary.
We are extremely grateful to the first responders and agencies that are working around the clock to keep people and pets safe during this time. We have been very proud to work alongside Gila County Animal Care and Control and the Red Cross, two partnerships that prove how much stronger we are when we all work together!
6/21/19: AHS’ Disaster Response Team Continuing to Assist
Firefighters are making good strides combating the Woodbury Fire, which remains 42 percent contained. AHS’ Disaster Response team is continuing to assist Gila County Animal Care & Control, providing temporary shelter for three pets currently.
6/20/19: AHS Deployed to the Woodbury Fire
Seven members of AHS’ Disaster Response team were deployed to the Woodbury Fire on Thursday, June 20 to offer assistance to Gila County Animal Care & Control. We have set up a temporary shelter at the Miami Intermediate School near the Red Cross. An evacuation alert was issued for Roosevelt and the Roosevelt Lake area, which could affect several hundred people with an unknown number of pets. So far, Gila County Animal Care and Control has taken in two dogs and one cat.
We will continue to provide updates as available here while our Disaster Response team remains on scene. For those needing emergency assistance, please call 911 immediately.
For those affected or displaced by the wildfire and in need of help, visit the American Red Cross at redcross.org/shelter.
Resources:
- Red Cross and AHS/Gila County Animal Control Emergency Animal Shelter: Miami Intermediate School – 4739 S. Ragus Road, Miami, AZ 85539
- Livestock: Gila County Fairgrounds – 900 Fairgrounds Rd, Globe, AZ 85501
- Fire Information Line: 505.399.2439
- Gila County Public Information Line: 928.402.8888
Past Deployment
- 2017
Hurricane Harvey - 2016
Cedar Fire - 2013
Yarnell Hill - 2011
Wallow Fire
Momument Fire - 2005
Hurricane Katrina - 2002
Holbrook/Rodeo Fire
AKC Pet Disaster Relief Unit
In 2015, AHS received a Pet Disaster Relief Unit from AKC Reunite through their Canine Support and Relief Fund. This two-axel trailer containing materials to set up an emergency shelter for pets and service animals will be critical in our disaster relief efforts.
We are so grateful for the Scottsdale Dog Fanciers Association, Superstition Kennel Club and all of the local AKC clubs who selected AHS to receive this gift and worked to raise some of the funding. A group of 11 Arizona animal rescue groups worked to raise funds, which were then matched by AKC Reunite.
