Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART)

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Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART)

WASART rescues pets and livestock in emergency situations: such as dogs over cliffs, horses in wells

Non-profit response team helping animals and their owners in times of disaster and emergency. Twitter
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YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/WASARTresponse

01/12/2025

Let us tell you about a small dog wedged in a deep crevice, some local organizations, and a lot of teamwork.

Coulee, about 30 lbs, had slipped into a 12 inch narrow but deep crevice that was more of a crack in the Roslyn area. She was about 20 ft down. When we arrived on scene, other groups were already there (see below). Kittitas Search and Rescue (SAR) helped get us the rest of the way through the snow. (Thanks for the lift!)

We arrived at the crevice. The teams who had arrived before us were working on the situation. They’d put a long branch in so Coulee wouldn’t slip any farther.

They already had a makeshift catch pole around her neck. They couldn’t cinch it tight so her head kept slipping out.

The plan after that was to make a rope loop/lasso and slip it over their catch pole so it was guaranteed to be behind her neck. Then the front of the loop was attached to another rope and another rescuer used another long makeshift pole to guide it in front of her chest and drop it under her legs so we could haul from her chest.

When the loop was almost in position we lifted gently with their catch pole and this allowed the loop to fall under her right leg.

We set up a quick second loop that we were trying to get around her left leg and chest. It didn’t quite work. In lifting her up to try and get that loop in position we could feel the first loop was very secure and we were able to lift her a bit.

We moved the second loop to her rear area to help.

The lift took about 20 seconds, and her exit was smooth as well as quick.

Once raised, we got Coulee back to her owner and into a warm car. A vet on scene checked her out and gave her the all clear.

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. We’d love it if you would consider us for your donation list this year so we can help more dogs like Coulee. We’d also suggest checking out the organizations that helped as well. Many of them are volunteer non-profits as well.
Here's ours: https://wasart.org/donate

Thanks to Coulee’s owners for trusting us and for these groups and their responders for their partnership.

Kittitas County Sheriff
Kittitas County Fire District 7
Kittitas County Search & Rescue
Kittitas County Search and Rescue ORV Team
City of Roslyn Fire Department Association
Cle Elum/Roslyn Police Department
Kittitas Valley Fire & Rescue- KVFR
Kittitas County Search and Rescue Dogs

30/11/2025

When you see a WASART truck on the road, it represents more than a vehicle — it’s the lifeline that gets our volunteers, gear, and expertise to animals in crisis.

Donor support is what keeps that lifeline strong.

Your generosity helps us:
-Maintain and repair our vehicles so they’re safe, reliable, and ready to roll at a moment’s notice.
-Replace our worn-out gear after deployments and trainings
-Equip our team with the tools they need to reach and safely rescue animals in tough conditions

Every mile we travel and every rescue we reach depends on this support.

As Giving Tuesday approaches, we’re grateful for the community that helps us respond faster, safer, and better prepared.

Your support keeps the wheels turning — and the rescues happening.

To learn more about WASART or to make a donation, visit www.wasart.org/donate

28/11/2025

Thanksgiving reminds us to appreciate what we have, and Giving Tuesday invites us to share that abundance with the nonprofit organizations we care about — the teams, missions, and causes that make a difference in our communities. As you consider where to give this year, we hope you’ll include WASART in your plans.

Your generosity directly fuels our mission to help animals and their owners during disasters and emergencies through technical animal response, emergency sheltering, disaster preparedness, and community education.

WASART is a 100% volunteer run 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We have no paid staff, we never charge for our rescues, and our volunteers cover the cost of their own gear and training while donating thousands of hours each year. Your support truly makes the work possible.

To made a donation, please visit: www.wasart.org/donate

27/11/2025

Today we’re especially thankful for the amazing community that makes animal rescue possible across Washington. To our volunteers, supporters, donors, and partners — thank you for standing with us when animal and their owners need us most.

From all of us here at WASART, we wish you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

25/11/2025

What is WASART?

We’re volunteers who respond when animals and their owners face their toughest moments—across Washington, from emergency animal sheltering during natural disasters to rescuing horses trapped in ravines and dogs injured on tricky trails. We’re on call so pets, livestock, working animals, and their owners never have to face danger alone.

Follow along this week to learn how you can help!

WASART is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization. There is a never a charge for our rescues. wasart.org

21/11/2025

WASART needs training locations — Can you help?

We’re planning our heavy systems rescue trainings for 2026 and are looking for land to use. These are the trainings where we practice moving heavy horse-weight loads (not live animals) so we can do it safely and effectively when we get called out. Trainings usually happen every other month, though we’d love to have different locations so we can work through different geographic challenges.

Ideal property features:
–Near the I-90/I-5 corridors (Everett–Renton or Seattle–North Bend)
–Parking for 10 vehicles + box truck or truck/trailer
–Mix of open areas and wooded terrain — hills, ravines, trees, streams
–Bonus: Ability to drive heavy gear vehicles near the training areas

If you or someone you know may have a location, please email [email protected]. Thank you for helping us stay ready to answer the call!

(Image from one of these trainings)

17/11/2025

Last month, on October 25th, WASART volunteers came together for our Annual Sheltering Exercise—one of the most important trainings we conduct each year.

During this full-day drill, our team practiced setting up and operating an emergency animal shelter from the ground up. From intake to daily care, sanitation, and reunification processes, volunteers worked through real-world scenarios designed to strengthen our readiness for when animals and their owners need us most.

WASART sets up and runs emergency animal shelters during times of disaster, such as wildfires. Exercises like these ensure we can respond quickly, compassionately, and effectively—because when emergencies happen, preparation saves lives.

www.wasart.org

11/11/2025

On November 8th, a 17-year-old dog named Gavin accidentally fell down the edge of a 350-foot ravine behind his home in Snohomish County. His owners searched for hours but were unable to locate him in the dense brush and steep terrain and WASART was called for assistance.

We responded to the scene with our rescue equipment and conducted an initial assessment using a thermal camera. With the terrain steep and hazardous, our Technical Rescue Team geared up and went to work. Working by headlamps in the dark, our volunteers used ropes, harnesses, and safety lines to carefully descend the ravine. The ground was slick with mud, tangled with fallen logs and Devil’s Club, and dropped sharply toward the creek below — making movement slow and physically demanding.

After searching and covering multiple sections of the ravine, we made our way down using a 300-foot rope line to reach the creek. There, Gavin was finally spotted standing just a few feet away in the brush — cold, wet, and shivering, but alive.

The team quickly wrapped Gavin in a jacket for warmth. He was secured into a harness and attached to the attendant for the raise up. Using a rope-and-pulley system built at the top of the ravine, rescuers carefully assisted the team and Gavin back up the slippery hillside, one steady step at a time, ensuring everyone’s safety.

After several hours of coordinated effort, Gavin was safely lifted over the edge and reunited with his family — tail wags and all.

Thank you to Gavin’s owners for trusting us to help bring Gavin home and to the dedicated responders who worked late into the night.

WASART is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization — always ready to assist animals and their owners in challenging situations. We’re grateful for our skilled, compassionate volunteers who make outcomes like this possible.

31/10/2025

🎃 Happy Halloween from WASART! 👻🐾

As you celebrate this spooky season, take a moment to keep your pets safe, warm, and comfortable. A little preparation goes a long way toward making the night fun for everyone!

🍬 Keep candy out of reach – Chocolate and sweets containing xylitol can be toxic to pets. Store candy and wrappers where curious noses can’t find them.

🕯️ Watch those decorations – Keep candles, glow sticks, and electrical cords out of reach to prevent burns or chewing hazards.

🎭 Costume comfort first – If your pet wears a costume, make sure it fits well and doesn’t restrict breathing, vision, or movement. Be patient with them and reward well!

🚪 Mind the door – With trick-or-treaters coming and going, pets can slip out unnoticed. Consider keeping them in a quiet, secure room to reduce stress and prevent escapes.

🌧️ Prepare for PNW weather – Rain, wind, and chilly air can arrive fast this time of year. Keep pets warm and dry, and have a towel ready for wet paws and fur.

💡 Be visible at night – Use reflective gear or glow collars if your pet joins you outdoors. It helps keep everyone safe on dark streets.

From all of us at WASART — stay safe, have fun, and enjoy a happy Howl-o-ween! 🐶🐴🐱

20/10/2025

On October 5th, our Technical Rescue Team was called to assist a draft horse who was down in his paddock. While we were placing protective headgear on him, he decided he’d had quite enough of that — and stood up on his own! A simple resolution and the best possible outcome.

We always want to emphasize this: never hesitate to call us. We’d much rather respond and find that it’s a quick fix or a turnaround than not be called at all. When an animal might be in distress, every call matters — and we’re always glad to help.

www.wasart.org

16/10/2025

Our Technical Rescue Team trains regularly to keep skills fresh so we’re as safe and effective as possible in the field. Each training focuses on different aspects of rescue work — large and small animal handling, rope systems, tripod-specific, etc.

Last weekend’s training focused on rappelling, ascending, and managing a rescue litter —critical skills for performing rescues safely in challenging terrain.

13/10/2025

🍂 Fall Hiking with Your Dog: Stay Safe and Prepared! 🐾

The Pacific Northwest is beautiful this time of year — crisp air, colorful leaves, and perfect hiking weather. But fall also brings cooler temps, slippery trails, and shorter days. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your dog safe and happy on your adventures:

🐕 Check the weather: Conditions can change fast. Bring extra layers for yourself and your dog if they get cold easily.

🍁Watch the footing: Wet leaves, mud, and moss can make trails slick. Slow down and keep your dog close on a leash, especially near drop-offs or water crossings.

💧 Pack essentials: Carry water, a collapsible bowl, a towel for muddy paws, and a small first-aid kit.

🎒 Be visible: With shorter daylight hours, pack a flashlight or headlamp — and consider a reflective collar or light for your dog.

🌲 Leave no trace: Fall foliage is beautiful, but remember to pack out all waste and keep wildlife safe by staying on the trail.

Wishing you and your furry hiking partner safe and happy trails this season!

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Telephone

+14256815498

Website

http://wasart.org/

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