About the WestCo CART

The WestCo CART is a community coalition preparing to meet companion animal needs during emergencies and disasters. Its primary service area is Mesa County, with the long-term goal of being able to assist communities across western Colorado and eastern Utah.

Why We Started

During the 2025 Turner Gulch Fire, the animal welfare community of Mesa County recognized that it was not prepared to serve as an animal-response resource.

Since that time, Roice-Hurst Humane Society and Mesa County Animal Services have spearheaded an effort to create the WestCo CART (companion animal response team) so that our region would have trained people, established partnerships, appropriate equipment, and clear procedures in place before the next emergency.

In summer 2026 we were able to respond to sheltering assistance calls for the Snyder Fire, but there is more work to be done. The team is working toward full operational readiness in 2027.

Governance Partners include:

American Red Cross
ASAR
CMU Tech Veterinary Program
Fruita Police Department Animal Control
Grand Junction Police Department Animal Control
Mesa County Animal Services
Mesa County Emergency Services
Mesa County Fairgrounds
Mesa County Sheriff’s Office
Rez-Vet
Roice-Hurst Humane Society

A Community Effort

The WestCo CART brings together people from animal welfare, veterinary medicine, animal control, emergency response, government, and community organizations. It is a coalition and its strength depends on the skills and resources of many partners.

When operational, the WestCo CART will respond only when activated or requested through the appropriate emergency authorities. Members will not self-deploy.