Teton County Pet Disaster Training 2025: Join Free American Humane Workshop to Protect Local Animals

The Critical Role of DART in Teton County Emergencies

Teton County residents who cherish their pets have a timely opportunity to make a real difference this fall. As wildfires, floods, and other emergencies loom in the Jackson Hole area, the PAWS Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) is calling for volunteers to bolster community readiness. Drawing from Hurricane Katrina’s harsh lessons, where thousands of pets were lost due to inadequate plans, this training equips locals to set up emergency shelters and ensure no family faces heartbreaking choices during evacuations.

Lessons from Katrina: Why Pet Plans Matter

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina exposed a national gap in disaster response, prompting FEMA to mandate pet-inclusive plans for every community. Here in Teton County, Wyoming, PAWS of Jackson Hole stepped up with DART, integrating into the county’s Emergency Management framework alongside partners in Idaho. This team deploys a stocked trailer to shelter over 150 pets during crises, providing crates, food, water, medical supplies, and more. As climate risks rise—with recent wildfires like the Caldor Fire testing regional responses—DART’s role is more vital than ever, but it relies on at least 40 trained volunteers to activate swiftly.

Building Community Resilience Through Preparation

PAWS, serving Jackson, Teton Valley, and Star Valley for over 25 years, goes beyond sheltering to offer low-cost vet care, spay/neuter, and advocacy. Their DART efforts align with broader safety initiatives, including partnerships with Teton County Emergency Management. For context on local pet welfare, check out Jackson Hole Radio’s coverage of the winter dog park opening, where PAWS provides essential supplies like mutt mitts.

Event Details: Free Training with American HumaneWhat to Expect from the Workshop

American Humane, a leader in animal disaster response, is bringing its expertise to Jackson on November 7th or 8th, 2025. This full-day session—9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—covers fundamentals like shelter setup, animal handling in crises, and coordination with first responders. It’s FEMA-approved and hands-on, perfect for pet lovers, vets, or anyone in emergency services. Choose your day; content is identical.

Locations and Logistics

  • Morning (9 a.m.-1 p.m.): Emergency Operations Center, 3240 South Adams Canyon Drive, Jackson, WY 83001
  • Afternoon (1-5 p.m.): START Bus Facility, 55 Karns Meadow Drive, Jackson, WY 83001

No cost, but registration is required. Contact Stephanie at stephanie@pawshelpspets.org for details or to join. Past trainings, like PAWS’s 2020 sessions with Code Three Associates, have built a strong volunteer base—now it’s your turn to contribute.

Get Involved: Why Volunteer and Next StepsThe Impact of Your Participation

Joining DART means joining a network that’s already assisted in national disasters, like deploying to the Caldor Fire in 2021. Volunteers gain skills that protect not just pets, but entire families—boosting Teton County’s resilience amid growing threats from extreme weather. As one PAWS leader noted, “When a pet is suffering, there’s usually a person on the other end of the leash who needs help too.”

Sign Up Today and Stay Prepared

Email stephanie@pawshelpspets.org to reserve your spot before they’re gone. For more on PAWS’s ongoing work, visit pawshelpspets.org. In a place like Jackson Hole, where outdoor life intertwines with pet companionship, being ready together strengthens us all. Mark your calendar for November—your involvement could be a lifesaver.

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