Strengthening California’s Animal Disaster Response
CVET Joins 2026 Cal CARTs Leadership Summit
Members of the California Veterinary Emergency Team (CVET) Management Team recently joined animal response leaders from across the state for the sixth annual Cal CARTs Leadership and Training Summit, held near Fresno, California.
The annual summit brings together leaders from California’s Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs) to share lessons learned, strengthen partnerships, and continue building a more coordinated approach to animal disaster response. As disasters affecting animals and communities become more complex, gatherings like this play an important role in advancing collaboration and standardizing response efforts statewide.
CVET contributed in several ways throughout the event. Team members helped facilitate the summit by serving as conference moderators, delivering the program’s annual update presentation, and hosting an exhibitor table where attendees could learn more about CVET’s work while picking up program materials and giveaways.
The team also led the Day 1 afternoon tabletop exercise, guiding participants through a simulated animal shelter response scenario. The exercise gave CART leaders an opportunity to practice coordination, problem-solving, and decision-making in a realistic disaster response setting.
CVET is proud to support Cal CARTs and the dedicated leaders who make up these teams. By working together to share knowledge, train together, and strengthen partnerships, California’s animal response community continues to build a more unified and effective system to help animals and the people who care for them during disasters.