Awareness Level Small Animal Emergency Sheltering Class
Interested in helping pets and people during disasters? The Florida State Animal Response Coalition (SARC) and Santa Rosa County Emergency Management are offering an Awareness Level Small Animal Sheltering class from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Sat., Sept. 30 at Santa Rosa County Emergency Management, 4499 Pine Forest Road in Milton. 

When disaster strikes, SARC's team of trained volunteer responders shelter and protect Florida's companion animals. The Level One class teaches the skills needed to work in an emergency animal shelter and provide the practical experience required to become a professional disaster animal responder. The Awareness Level Small Animal Emergency Sheltering class is certified by the Florida Department of Emergency Management and is required to respond in Florida to help companion animals during a disaster.

"Pets are a part of the family," said Santa Rosa County Emergency Management Director Brad Baker. "We had far more evacuees at our pet-friendly host shelter during Irma than at our non-pet shelter. The more volunteers we have who are state-certified to assist in a pet-friendly shelter, the better prepared we will be for the next disaster."

Register  online. The $15 administration fee will be covered by Santa Rosa County Emergency Management for those who are willing to serve in Santa Rosa's pet-friendly shelters during disasters. Students will also receive a free Florida SARC uniform t-shirt. For more information, call Santa Rosa County Animal Services, 850-983-4680.

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