Lancaster County, PA Animal Response Team - CART

07/03/2026

🇺🇸 Fireworks are fun for us... but they can be frightening for our pets.

As you celebrate Independence Day, take a few simple steps to help keep your furry family members safe:

🐾 Keep pets indoors during fireworks.
🐾 Make sure collars and ID tags are up to date.
🐾 Check that microchip information is current.
🐾 Close windows, doors, and gates to prevent escapes.
🐾 Create a quiet, comfortable space where your pet feels secure.

Every year, animal shelters see an increase in lost pets after Fourth of July celebrations. A little preparation today can help ensure your pets stay safe at home tomorrow.

From all of us at the Lancaster County Animal Response Team (CART), we wish you, your family, and your pets a safe and Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

07/01/2026

Keep your fur babies safe this week!

🌡️ Heat Wave Reminder: Help Keep Pets & Community Cats Safe! 🐾

As temperatures climb across Lancaster County, remember that the heat can quickly become dangerous for pets and stray cats.

Fore Pets:
🐶 Keep pets indoors during the hottest part of the day.
💧 Always provide fresh, cool water.
🐾 Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening.
🐾 Check pavement with your hand before heading out. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for their paws.

🚫 Never leave an animal in a vehicle that's not running with AC—even for a few minutes can be dangerous. ☠️

For Community Cats:
🐱 Place bowls of fresh water in shaded areas. Consider adding ice.
🏖️ Provide open shelters and shade from the sun whenever possible.

Watch for signs of heatstroke:
🥵 excessive panting
💦 drooling
😵‍💫lethargy
🤢 vomiting
🤸🏻‍♀️stumbling or collapse.

‼️Heatstroke is a medical emergency—seek veterinary care immediately if you notice these symptoms.

❗ If you see a community cat suffering, call our hotline immediately. 717-397-8922

A few minutes of kindness can save a life. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and help keep the animals in our community safe this week.

💙🖤💙

06/27/2026

🐾 Three Simple Steps That Could Help Bring Your Pet Home

During an emergency, pets can become frightened and separated from their families. Preparing now can make all the difference.

✅ 1. Take a current photo of your pet. Make sure you have clear photos that show their face, body, and any unique markings. These can be invaluable if your pet goes missing.

✅ 2. Make sure your pet has identification. A collar with an up-to-date ID tag is your pet's first line of defense. Better yet, have your pet microchipped and make sure your contact information is current in the microchip registry.

✅ 3. Label your pet's carrier. Place a label on the carrier with your pet's name, your name, phone number, emergency contact, veterinarian, and any medications or medical conditions. If your pet has to be transported or temporarily sheltered, this information can be incredibly important.

A few minutes of preparation today can make a world of difference tomorrow.

❤️ The Lancaster County Animal Response Team encourages every pet owner to take these simple steps before an emergency occurs.

06/20/2026

We are set up and ready to greet the community. Come out and enjoy the car show, check out the vendors, and say hi to us! We're here till 3.

06/18/2026

Looking for something to do this Saturday?
Come visit us!! We will be there all day with one of our response trailers and team members looking forward to meeting the community members we assist.

06/17/2026

⛈️🐾 THUNDERSTORMS CAN BE SCARY FOR PETS 🐾⛈️

Many pets become anxious during thunderstorms due to loud thunder, lightning, changes in air pressure, and even static electricity in the air.

If severe weather is expected, consider these tips:

🐶 Bring pets indoors before the storm arrives.

🏠 Create a safe, quiet space where they can retreat and feel secure.

🎵 Use calming music, a fan, or television to help mask the sound of thunder.

🦴 Offer a favorite toy, blanket, or treat to provide comfort.

🔒 Make sure collars, tags, and microchip information are up to date. Frightened pets may attempt to escape during storms.

❤️ Stay calm. Our pets often take cues from us.

If your pet experiences severe anxiety during storms, talk with your veterinarian about additional options that may help.

The CART team encourages all pet owners to prepare for severe weather just as they prepare for the rest of their family.

Stay safe, and give your pets a little extra reassurance during tonight's storms. 🐾

06/13/2026

🐾☀️ Hot Pavement Can Burn Paws ☀️🐾

As temperatures rise, it's important to remember that pavement heats up much faster than the air around us.

Did you know that when the air temperature reaches 85°F, pavement temperatures can exceed 130°F? That's hot enough to burn your pet's paw pads in just seconds.

Before heading out for a walk:
🐶 Walk during the cooler morning or evening hours
🐶 Test the pavement with the back of your hand for 7 seconds
🐶 Choose grass or shaded paths whenever possible
🐶 Watch for limping, licking paws, or reluctance to walk

A simple rule to remember:
👉 If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws.

Our pets rely on us to keep them safe. A quick paw check can prevent a painful injury and an emergency trip to the veterinarian.

Stay cool, stay safe, and give those paws a break from the heat! 🐾❤️

06/10/2026

A little planning can go a long way 🐾

06/08/2026

🐾 Every Volunteer Brings Something Different to the Team 🐾

When people hear "Animal Response Team," they often assume you need special experience working with animals.

The truth is, there are many ways to serve.

Some volunteers are comfortable handling animals during emergencies. Others excel at organizing supplies, managing logistics, assisting with administration, educating the public, staffing outreach events, or connecting families with resources when they need help most.

At the Lancaster County Animal Response Team (CART), we all bring different skills to the table, but we share one common goal: helping animals and the people who love them during disasters and emergencies.

As we prepare for upcoming community events on June 20 and June 21, we're looking for volunteers who are willing to help represent CART, share information about our mission, and help raise awareness throughout Lancaster County.

Many of us enjoy responding to calls, but those calls only come when people know we're here. Community outreach helps ensure that when a family faces an emergency, they know where to turn for assistance with their animals.

Whether you're an animal lover, an organizer, a communicator, a problem solver, or someone who simply wants to make a difference, there may be a place for you on our team.

Interested in learning more or helping with one of our upcoming events? We'd love to hear from you.

🐶🐱🐴 Because when disaster strikes, animals need advocates too.

06/06/2026

We are all set up and ready to greet visitors!
11-5 today and tomorrow.

It is never too early to prepare for an emergency. Stop by for a short chat to prepare for your pets needs in the event of evacuation.

We have coloring books for kids and some easy reading for the pet owners.