Arizona Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team Deployed to Telegraph Fire

6/13/21 Update: Both Emergency Response Teams Have Returned Home, 99 Pets Cared For

AHS’ Emergency Response Team has returned home from deployment at both evacuation sites in Mesa and Globe after caring for 99 pets whose families had been displaced by the Telegraph Fire. Our team’s first deployment this year—and the first deployment in AHS history in which two teams were called out at once—was a success.

AHS is the state’s designated responder for animals in distress during natural disasters, as well as BISSELL Pet Foundation National Shelter Alliance Partner, which provides service and support for animal shelters facing a variety of needs. Our Emergency Response Team consists of dedicated AHS staff and volunteers who complete rigorous training to prepare for any emergency where providing pets with shelter, veterinary care, or rescue efforts may be needed.

For those needing emergency assistance, please call 9-1-1 immediately. For those affected or displaced by the wildfire and in need of help, visit the American Red Cross at redcross.org/shelter or call 1.800.842.7349.

Available Resources:

Red Cross
Lee Kornegay Intermediate School
4635 Railroad Ave., Miami, AZ 85539

Livestock:

Birch Stockyard
2822 North Highway 188, Globe, AZ

Apache Junction Rodeo Grounds
1590 E Lost Dutchman Blvd., Apache Junction, AZ

Fire Information Line:
505.399.2439

Gila County Public Information Line:
928.402.8888

6/12/21 Update: All 51 Pets From the Mesa Evacuation Site Have Been Reunited With Their Families

All 51 pets from our Mesa evacuation site at Skyline High School have been reunited with their families! AHS and the Red Cross are no longer operating at this evacuation site. Our Emergency Response Team stationed at the Globe evacuation site is continuing to care for 10 dogs and 18 cats, and reuniting pets and owners who are able to safely return home.

6/11/21 Update: Caring For 69 Pets Among Two Locations, Pets Continuing to Reunite With Their Families

Our Emergency Response Team is currently deployed at two locations in Mesa and Globe where they are caring for pets of those who have had to evacuate their homes. We are providing shelter and veterinary care for 35 pets at our Mesa evacuation site at Skyline High School and 34 pets at our Globe evacuation site at our tent near High Desert Middle School. To date, we have reunited 19 pets with their families!

The second wave of team members has officially taken over to continue providing shelter and veterinary care for the pets who need us. Our Mesa evacuation site Both teams in Globe and Mesa have powered through long days and long nights of deployment, but thanks to the intensive training our staff and volunteers have completed, our Emergency Response Team is well-prepared.

6/10/21 Update: Caring For 87 Pets Among Two Locations

AHS’ two Emergency Response Teams remain at evacuation sites in Mesa and Globe where they are providing shelter and veterinary care to dogs and cats. Our Mesa team is currently caring for 43 pets and our Globe team is caring for 44 pets. We are thrilled to share that 11 pets have been reunited with their families! One of those happy reunions was between young animal lover, Meeko, and his cat, Smokey, and puppy, Tanner.

6/9/21 Update: Two Emergency Response Teams Deployed Simultaneously, Donations Needed

For the first time in our history, two AHS Emergency Response Teams of 13 members total have been deployed to two locations. One team is providing shelter and veterinary care to more than 30 pets at the American Red Cross Arizona evacuation site at Skyline High School in Mesa. The other team is caring for approximately 60 pets in Globe alongside Gila County Animal Care & Control and is currently procuring a temporary emergency pet shelter location.

6/8/21 Update: Caring for 33 Pets, Donations Needed

Seven members of our Emergency Response Team are currently caring for 33 pets whose families have been evacuated from their homes (37 pets in total, four who have since been placed with family members). These pets are receiving veterinary care as needed, though thankfully, their needs are not related to the fire. Six other members of this team are assisting Gila County Animal Control in Globe, AZ.

6/7/21 Update: Second Emergency Response Team Deployment to Globe, AZ

Seven members of AHS’ Emergency Response Team are currently caring for seven dogs and five cats. The three dogs and one parrot we cared for yesterday have since been placed with relatives. In addition, AHS has been asked to deploy a second team to help with relief efforts in Globe, AZ. Six additional members of AHS’ Emergency Response Team are currently setting up to provide shelter and veterinary assistance for the pets of those affected by the fire.

AHS Assisting Gila County Emergency Operations Center with Emergency Animal Shelter

As the state’s designated responder for animals in distress during natural disasters, the Arizona Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team was contacted by Gila County Emergency Operations Center and has deployed today provide assistance for the Telegraph Fire.

AHS has initially sent a team of seven staff members, including medical and animal care personnel, as well as Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ to set up an emergency animal shelter located at Skyline High School, 845 S. Crismon Rd, in Mesa, AZ. AHS’ fleet consists of its AKC Disaster Relief trailer and box truck full of supplies including pop-up kennels, food, blankets, and medical supplies to provide veterinary care to any pets in need.

AHS will remain onsite to assist Gila County Emergency Operations Center and the people and pets affected until our services are no longer needed. Currently, three dogs (one Pug and two Poodles) and one parrot from one family are utilizing the shelter which is set up near the Red Cross’ facilities at Skyline High School. AHS will continue to assess and monitor the situation and provide additional resources as needed. This is AHS’ first deployment this wildfire season.

Arizona Humane Society’s Emergency Response Team Deployed to Telegraph Fire

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