Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART)

08/05/2026

Our friends at King County Search and Rescue Association are hosting SARposium on May 14th at Remlinger Farms — a chance to learn more about the people, teamwork, and resources that help make SAR missions possible in our communities.

WASART will be there too, and we’d love to see you!

For more information about SARposium or to grab your ticket, visit sarposium.com

What it Takes to Bring Loved Ones Home

06/05/2026

Did you know we get most of our calls either in the morning when an owner finds a horse down or just before dark when a hiker realizes they need help?

Morning or night we are there to help.

wasart.org/givebig

05/05/2026

Who are you donating to for GiveBig today?

wasart.org/givebig

29/04/2026

On April 22, WASART responded to a call for a horse named Zuri who had been found cast in her stall. The owner reached out for help, and our team mobilized.

Upon arrival, responders found Zuri down against the stall wall, unable to get her feet beneath her. With limited space and a small initial team, we focused first on repositioning her safely. Using wide webbing straps placed carefully beneath her body, responders worked together—alongside her veterinarian—to gently move Zuri away from the wall so she could be rolled onto her other side.

Once repositioned, the team worked to restore circulation by massaging and moving her limbs while the veterinarian provided medical support. After giving her time to recover, Zuri was encouraged to stand.

And she did.

With some initial instability, Zuri found her footing and remained standing with light support. Soon after, she was able to walk out into the paddock, where she continued to regain strength—taking steps, eating, and steadily improving.

By the time the team cleared the scene, Zuri was up, moving, and under the continued care of her veterinarian and owner.

It was a true team effort to help Zuri get back on her feet, and we’re grateful we could be there to support both her and her owner.

26/04/2026

Yesterday, WASART had the opportunity to be part of the Vertical World Spring Jam, connecting with an incredible community of climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.

It was great to meet so many participants, share a little about who we are and what we do, and talk about the role technical rescue plays in helping animals in difficult terrain. Our team also had the chance to demonstrate some of our rescue gear and rigging systems, giving people a closer look at how we safely access and assist animals in challenging environments.

We’re always grateful for opportunities like this to connect, share, and be part of the broader outdoor community.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat—we loved meeting you 💚

20/04/2026

What happens before a rescue team even arrives? 🐾

When a call comes in, it starts with our Duty Officers—the first point of contact with WASART. They gather critical information, speak directly with the reporting party, provide initial guidance, and assess the situation. If a deployment is needed, they initiate the response and hand it off to a Call Coordinator.

From there, Call Coordinators manage the response behind the scenes. They serve as the central point of communication—coordinating with the reporting party, cooperating agencies, WASART team members, and the Operations Chief. They track information, support field teams, and help ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

There’s a lot of unseen, behind-the-scenes work that goes into every rescue—long before a team ever steps onto the trail.

Out on the ground, field teams carry out the rescue—but none of it happens without that structure, communication, and coordination.

Every role matters. Every person plays a part.

That’s how we work together to get animals the help they need—and safely bring them home 💚

16/04/2026

Getting to the dog is sometimes the hardest part 🐾

Before we can help the animal, we have to make sure we can safely reach them.

Using anchors, ropes, and edge protection, our teams build controlled systems that allow us to safely access steep or exposed areas. Anchors are carefully selected, ropes are rigged to support both the rescuer and the load, and edge protection helps prevent damage to the rope as it moves over rock or rough terrain.

Every step is deliberate—systems are checked, roles are assigned, and communication is constant. It’s not just about getting to the dog, it’s about doing it in a way that keeps both the animal and our responders safe.

These are skills we train on regularly, because when a real call comes in, there’s no room for guesswork.

Safety. Precision. Teamwork.

That’s how we get to them—and how we bring them home 💚

13/04/2026

Paw injuries are one of the most common issues we see on the trail 🐾

Sharp rocks, rough terrain, hot surfaces, or hidden debris can quickly turn a great hike into a painful situation for your dog.

Knowing how to wrap an injured paw in the field can make a big difference—helping cover the injury, keep your dog more comfortable, and hopefully make it possible for them to walk back to the trailhead.

And always remember—if you need us, we’re here to help. There is never a charge for our rescues.

www.wasart.org

08/04/2026

Not every dog can walk off the trail 🐾

When a dog is injured, even the hike back can be too much. That’s where a rescue litter—equipped with a wheel—makes all the difference.

You might think balancing on one wheel would be harder than two—but it actually helps our team navigate narrow trails, uneven terrain, and obstacles while keeping the litter stable and supported.

This allows us to safely transport the animal, reducing pain, preventing further injury, and protecting both the dog and responders along the way.

It takes coordination, communication, and a whole lot of teamwork—but it’s one of the most important tools we use to get animals home safely 💚

30/03/2026

Thinking about hitting the trails with your dog this summer? 🐾

Come learn how to keep them safe at our Hiking with Dogs class at REI Lynnwood on June 10th.

We’ll walk through:
• The must-have dog hiking essentials
• What to pack in a dog trail first aid kit
• How to prevent (and treat) common dog trail injuries
• Plus a demo of the gear we use to carry injured dogs to safety

It’s free to attend, but registration is required.
Save your spot here:

Join the Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART) at REI Issaquah to learn how to keep your dog safe while hiking in the Pacific Northwest. This interactive class includes a slideshow and live demonstrations on essential dog hiking gear, first aid kits, and preventing common trail injuries.

25/03/2026

Congratulations to the newest Introduction to Field Operation (IFO) graduates!

IFO is the class that prepares our members to safely respond in the field and handle animals during rescues. This past weekend, WASART volunteers trained in responder safety, small and large animal handling, rope handling basics, rescue litter setup and carrying, and working with the tripod.

We’re excited to welcome this incredible group to our team! A huge shoutout to Grateful Pine Farm for hosting us at their wonderful facility.

www.wasart.org