October brings a welcome chill in the morning air, the sound of geese overhead, and the anticipation of the rainy season. For many of us, it also brings the concern for fire.
On August 21, Napa CART was planning a surprise volunteer activation drill to assess volunteer availability. As the Pickett fire unfolded, the county requested that we remain on standby status and our volunteers were alerted to prepare. We were fortunate to hear from the majority of our volunteers as available and ready to help. Luckily, the animal impact was low and Napa CART was not deployed.
This year, so far, Napa CART volunteers have logged over 2,600 hours in training to remain prepared for just such a call.
In April, Napa CART volunteers participated with regional CARTs in a farmed animal immersive class hosted by Charlie’s Acres in Sonoma. This unique opportunity to handle and load a variety of domesticated livestock and fowl gave Napa CART volunteers valuable experience with a focus on best practices for each species.
Loading a pot-bellied pig versus a 200 lb goat with horns, vs a flock of sheep requires different equipment, skills and plans. The handling experience is valuable for the animals as well, as they can learn to accommodate to the conditions of evacuation and shelter.
Napa CART looks forward to future training opportunities with Charlie’s Acres.
In June, Napa CART volunteers rotated through various equine handling and assessment stations at the R Ranch in Capell Valley.
The training opportunity bolstered safety skills and allowed CART volunteers to work in pairs to practice approach, haltering, leading and assessing horses of all shapes, sizes and temperaments.
The R Ranch team was on hand to assist and to review key preparedness planning associated with evacuation and shelter in place.
Napa CART is always looking for opportunities to provide hands on animal training, and truly appreciates the R Ranch team.
In August, Napa CART Animal Technical Rescue (ATR) technicians simulated assisting a down horse in a creek bed. They used the technical rescue equipment, personal protective equipment, and training to successfully glide the horse mannequin to a place of safety.
The Napa CART ATR team is on call to assist first responders with incidents involving large animals- such as a down horse or overturned trailer.
Thank you to the HALTER project, Jameson Humane and our amazing donors for helping to fund the equipment and training needed to sustain this valuable resource.
On September 20th, Napa CART volunteers joined Solano CART volunteers to participate in a regional camelid training. Llamas and Alpacas are common in our area, and their husbandry and behavior are unique. We are deeply committed to working with Solano to add to the species specific training series.
As Fall approaches, Napa CART is already working on a training line up for 2026 to ensure volunteers continue to gain experience and knowledge. Stay tuned for our annual training calendar to be published in December.
Click or tap to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
Our volunteers enhance their own preparedness and animal handling and assessment skills. If you are a pet owner or animal lover, consider joining our team and making a difference locally.
Thank you for your continued support of Napa CART, and for the steps you are taking to keep your animals safe when disaster strikes. We could not do the work we do without your generous donations.
With Gratitude,
Claudia Sonder
Napa CART President
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