Disaster response that reaches people and their pets.
Animals and Humans in Disaster is an Arizona 501(c)(3) and a federally recognized Medical Reserve Corps unit, #2473. Since 2010 it has helped people in crisis across Arizona, from one family to a whole community, with a focus on the people disasters hit hardest: seniors, veterans, people living with chronic or terminal illness, people with disabilities, and families who will not leave their animals behind.
“I am thrilled to find a phone application like BuddySOS, both for work and personal use, to help people like me in non-medical emergency situations.”
Cynthia (CJ) Anderson
President of the Board and CEO
CJ has worked in disaster, safety and health for 45 years at the local, state and national level, including with FEMA, the Red Cross and the National Safety Council. She is an OSHA national trainer, teaching workplace safety and health to businesses, health care, community groups, schools and churches.
“In the last 17 years I have had six strokes from brain bleeds, died twice from broken heart syndrome, had five eye surgeries, and this year had three cancer tumors removed. BuddySOS gives me the confidence that as I travel, there is a circle of friends or coworkers who can help me if I overestimate my ability while I continue to recover.”
“As an OSHA national trainer, I also recognized what an outstanding tool BuddySOS is for workplaces, particularly for emergency action planning (29 CFR 1910.35) where employees work away from a desk: construction, health care, travel and similar settings. That includes volunteers and other third parties.”
Who they are
Recognized through the Arizona Department of Health Services for rural and urban aid, and active nationally through the MRC network.
A member of the Governor's Arizona Citizen Corps Council, working alongside state and local emergency partners.
Preparation, mitigation, response and recovery across all 15 counties, with an Animal Division and a Human Division.
Many people will not evacuate or accept help without their animals. Keeping families and pets together gets more people to safety.
Track record
In 2019 the team ran 175 events around Arizona, and it is rebuilding toward that pace by early 2027.
Donations received since 2010, before the pandemic, put to work across Arizona.
Pet and veterinary food given to rescues around the state, on average.
Programs a sponsor can back
Give to the whole organization, or pick the program, region or project that matches what your company cares about.
Pet emergency and disaster support so families can evacuate and shelter with their animals.
Mobile programs in Maricopa County that help people in crisis by keeping their pets fed.
Overflow shelter resources for animals in Maricopa County: housing, education and support.
Preparedness classes and exercises for sheltering at home or evacuating.
Support for veterans and their animals.
Help for special-needs populations affected by disaster.
Ways to get involved
Fund a specific program, county or project, or support day-to-day operations.
Supplies, food and equipment from the agency's published in-kind needs list.
Preparedness classes and exercises for your employees, members or community.
Event and special-project volunteers are welcome, from one day to ongoing.
Technology that works in the field
Kingbird designed BuddySOS flyers and cards for the agency's volunteers, survivors and caregivers: large type, high contrast and a QR code that still scans after repeated photocopying. They are free for any group to print. BuddySOS itself, a group safety app with one-tap SOS and a live group map, is free on iPhone and Android.
We are also building AI tools and working sessions for disaster response teams with the agency. Sponsors who want that work for their own response teams can ask either of us.
Talk to CJ
Cynthia (CJ) Anderson
President of the Board and CEO
Animals and Humans in Disaster, Inc.
Text for the fastest reply: (480) 698-3251. Parts of Arizona have no internet access, so text reaches CJ first.
Email: animalsandhumansindisaster@gmail.com
Agency office: (602) 909-7153
EIN 01-0975325 · GuideStar profile · animalsandhumansindisaster.org
Donations go directly to Animals and Humans in Disaster. Kingbird does not collect or handle funds.