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California Animal Response Emergency Support (CARES)

The CARES Unit resides within the Emergency Preparedness and Response Section of the Animal Health Branch in the Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division of CDFA. The CARES Unit provides assistance to the California Emergency Support Function 11 Food and Agriculture. To meet animal disaster related responsibilities, CDFA leverages the CARES Unit to coordinate State agency response in support of local government and with the assistance of volunteer organizations. CARES is structured in accordance with the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Our Mission

To collaborate with response agencies to build capabilities and coordination that protect the safety of animals during the four (4) phases of emergency management.

What We Do

CARES is a system that provides operational guidance to assist with all aspects of animal care in the event of a disaster or emergency with the assistance of agencies and volunteer organizations.

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SEMS Infographic showing the flow of information and the coordination and control during an incident which includes State Operations Center (SOC), Regional Emergency Operations Center (REOC), County (Emergency Operations Center (EOC)), Local Government (EOC and/or Department Operations Center (DOC)), Incident Command Post (ICP), and Incident. The state of California shows a better understanding of the coordination during an incident with Incident, Local, and Mutual Aid Regions (Inland Region, Coastal Region, and Southern Region) mapped out.

Public Information

  • Volunteering - Learn how to become a volunteer in your community.
  • Disaster Preparedness - Local preparedness and emergency operation plans, disaster preparedness information and resources.
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Local Government Resources and Tools


Mutual Aid For Animal-Related Resources Starts
At The Local Level Of Government.
NEW RESOURCE REQUEST TOOL

ink button to resource request page

CARES Foundational Documents

CARES Legislation California Code - Section 8608-CARES Governors Press Release for CARES MOU Between Cal OES and CDFA

Local/State Resources

USDA Area Offices California Secure Food Supply List of Reportable Diseases Cal OES Local Preparedness Plans Animal Shelter Information Fairgrounds MOU Example Pets on Public Transport Local Government Emergency Management and Non-governmental Organization MOU sample Local Government Emergency Management and Non-governmental Organization MOU/MOA sample Local Government Emergency Animal Shelter Assessment Form
2023 NASAAEP Disaster Veterinary Medical Response Best Practices

Animal Owner Resources

Pet Disaster Evacuation Plan Pet Disaster Evacuation Kit Pets and Mental Health Pets and Mental Health (Spanish) CARES Fact Sheet: Resources Available to Livestock Producers
CARES Pet First-Aid Kit Checklist (English) /
Botiquín de Primeros Auxilios Para Mascotas (Spanish)
Disaster Preparedness for Horse Owners Disaster Preparedness for Livestock Owners Flooding & Equine Owners Flooding & Livestock Owners Equine Disaster Preparedness Flood Evacuation Checklist for a Dairy California Dairies: Coping with Flooding and Evacuation Farm Emergency Action Plan Guide
American Kennel Club How to Keep Your Dog Safer in the Car (English) / American Kennel Club Cómo mantener a su perro más seguro en el automóvil (Spanish)
American Humane Society Traveling Safely with Your Pet (English) / American Humane Society Viajar Seguro con Tu Mascota (Spanish)
Preparedness Stats

Follow Us

@AnimalHealthBranch_CDFA @cdfa_cares @cahensocal

Contact Us

CDFA Animal Health and Food Safety Services,
Animal Health Branch

1220 N Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: 916-900-5002
Fax: 916-900-5333
Email: CDFA.AHB_Cares_Program@cdfa.ca.gov
Our offices are open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time.