This article is dedicated to the thousands of hard-working animal response organizations and their volunteers that slept on the concrete, ate MREs, endured the horror of dragging drowned or killed animal carcasses out of buildings, trees, and mud after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and occasionally proclaimed joyfully, "This one’s ALIVE!" The horse industry greatly appreciates you all.

By Janice Baker, DVM, and Rebecca Gimenez, PhD

After a disaster, all of us want to help in some way. Unfortunately, most people feel frustrated with their inability to do anything. Did you find yourself suddenly willing to give time, money, and effort that otherwise would be put to other tasks and priorities as you watched the devastation of Katrina unfold? The horse-owning and veterinary communities can help in many different ways, from donations of cash to in-kind equipment, supplies, and professional expertise, to giving your time and effort. Here’s some information from those on the front lines who have trained to help in emergency situations to help you plan not only how you can help others, but yourself and your own community