Help Assist Animals: Florida SARC to Host Animal Disaster Response Training in Broward

Broward County Animal Care will host a one-day disaster preparedness course designed to train volunteers in protecting pets during natural disasters.

The Florida State Animal Response Coalition (FL SARC) will lead its Small Animal Emergency and Disaster Sheltering – Awareness Level 1 Training on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2400 SW 42nd St. in Fort Lauderdale. Registration is $35 and available online at flsarc.org/training-classes-events.

“Broward County is no stranger to extreme weather events,” said Doug Brightwell, Broward County Animal Care director. “This training gives our community tools to protect their animals and families when they need it most. Together, we can strengthen our disaster response and save lives.”

The training is open to volunteers and community members interested in assisting animals during hurricanes, floods, fires and other emergencies. Participants will learn how to care for pets in crisis and how to operate temporary emergency animal shelters during disaster response efforts.

“Every hurricane season reminds us how important it is to be ready—not only for ourselves, but for our pets,” said Jeremy Hillengas, program manager for FL SARC. “By training volunteers today, we’re building a stronger, safer community for tomorrow.”

Broward County Animal Care provides adoption services, animal care programs, and community education. Florida SARC, a division of SPCA Florida, specializes in disaster response, preparedness, and recovery efforts for animals.

For more information, visit Broward.org/Animal.

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