Ready When Disaster Strikes

Hands-On Training to Rescue and Protect Animals in Times of Crisis

Animal Rescuers from across the West Coast and beyond gathered in Joybound’s Nestle Purina Pavilion

When disaster strikes, animals depend on people who are trained, prepared, and ready to act. This June, Joybound People & Pets and Animal Search and Rescue (ASAR) brought together more than 70 animal emergency response professionals from across the West Coast and beyond for a two-day Animal Disaster Preparedness Workshop focused on collaboration, field training, and real-world readiness.

Held at Joybound’s Walnut Creek campus, the workshop welcomed animal control officers, veterinary professionals, shelter teams, emergency planners, CART and DART members, and first responders, all united by a shared mission to protect animals during emergencies and natural disasters.

Day One immersed participants in hands-on field training led by ASAR instructors Eric Thompson and Greg Merrell. Attendees practiced wide area search techniques for companion animals, explored collapsed structure and confined space hazard awareness, and strengthened operational skills rooted in ASAR’s nationally recognized rescue curriculum.

Day Two shifted to scenario-based collaboration, where participants worked through realistic disaster response and recovery situations alongside peers from across the region. Discussions focused on California’s evolving animal disaster landscape, coordination challenges, and actionable planning for the critical first hours and long-term recovery efforts following a disaster.

Since its inception, Joybound has been committed to rescuing and protecting animals in crisis. Today, the organization continues that leadership by helping train and support the professionals who respond when pets need help most.

Note: This article was featured in Joybound’s Summer 2026 issue of Joy Magazine. With a gift of just $25 to Joybound, you can be added to our mailing list and receive Joy in your mailbox for one year!