American Humane Association Brings ‘Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals’ Course to Seattle

Community Preparedness Class Teaches How to Help Pets During and After a Disaster

Denver (October 1, 2009)

On Nov. 13 and 14, the American Humane Association will offer the Seattle community a two-day course, Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals, that provides step-by-step instruction on how to plan for and implement emergency sheltering for pets during and after a disaster. Diane Robinson, co-author of the training and training instructor for American Humane, will teach the course.

Disasters can strike at any time, and depending on their scope and severity, local animal shelters may not be equipped to handle the resulting influx of dogs, cats and other small companion animals.

“The goal of this class is to prepare the community for when a disaster strikes, whether natural or manmade. We want people to feel comfortable and have the knowledge to help their community during a disaster,” said Robinson.

Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals is the first course in American Humane’s Community Preparedness Training series. The curriculum is designed to help communities such as Seattle prepare for any disaster, especially disasters like floods and fires that are most likely to hit the Seattle area. American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services™ has been dedicated to helping local communities in times of disaster since 1916.

This course is open to anyone interested in the welfare of animals during and after a disaster and is considered a “must have” for all communities. To learn more or register, visit www.americanhumane.org/aestraining.

American Humane’s Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals
Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., both days
Discovery Park Visitor’s Center
3801 W. Government Way, Seattle, WA 98199
Hosted by Kent County SPCA
Tuition: $106 for American Humane members, $125 for nonmembers

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane® Certified™ farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food (www.thehumanetouch.org). American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

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