HSUS Disaster Services is a program of the Humane Society of the United States. This program provides a comprehensive approach to disaster education and training, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

When a disaster strikes, the HSUS Disaster Animal Response Teams (DART) move quickly to assess the damage and evaluate the impact on animals, and then to provide the most appropriate support to the local community.  We work with local emergency responders, local humane associations and shelters and other local disaster volunteers. The disaster program is supported by a network of trained volunteers.

Anyone with a love for animals can become a member of the local team in the Tampa Bay Area. There is no membership fee. We ask that our members try to attend as many meetings as possible, donate a couple of hours of their time per month working on various animal related committee projects, and attend periodic training sessions to strengthen our team’s knowledge and skills.

Get started in helping the animals in your community and experience a great networking experience with others that share your love for animals. Start by completing the Volunteer Roster & In-kind Donation Form. Some of our team members are teachers, homemakers, students, secretaries, dance instructors, leadership trainers, computer programmers, animal control officers, shelter staff and volunteers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians/nurses and more. All team members share a common interest in animals and want to give back to their community by helping those four legged “family members” that may be lost or left behind in a disaster.

Meetings: Held approximately every 1-3 months (depending on activity). Locations: SPCA of Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Avenue North, Largo, FL 33773.

Educational Opportunities: Inside information regarding special training programs targeted to emergency/disaster situations (DART training, Human CPR & First Aid, Animal Handling One on One Training, etc.)