The Louisa team or LCART is a volunteer organization that helps prepare pet owners and pets to respond to emergency situations and provides training for pet owners, including pet CPR and first aid.
The organization started in 2013 in response to the earthquake that hit the county in 2011 and a series of brush fires in 2010. Those emergencies prompted Embrey and the county to develop an emergency plan for animals.
In the event of an emergency, the LCART team will be deployed within 48 hours to other parts of the state or nation. Members are certified to operate and manage pet sheltering trailers in those areas and can use their own trailer for five to seven days, according to Donnie Embrey, LCART leader.
LCART members were contacted by a logistics specialist with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management about a more formal arrangement, Embrey said.
The Louisa group owns military-style DRASH tents that can be used as a temporary emergency companion pet shelter. LCART met the state’s criteria for training, equipment availability and personnel.
Embrey, who leads the organization with his wife, Rhonda, is honored by the distinction and the hard work of the LCART team.
“I’m extremely proud of our CART team and the commitment on [the members’] parts to get us to this point,” Embrey said. “We hope we never have to deploy. If we ever do, we’re ready. We want to stress to people to be ready, especially for your pets.”
LCART is currently seeking applications for volunteers. To apply or to learn more, visit louisacart.org or email cart@louisa.org.
©2016 The Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg, Va.). Visit The Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg, Va.) at www.fredericksburg.com/flshome. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
