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Board of Directors

Mission Statement

Pennsylvania Animal Response Team (PART) was created in 2005 to address the needs of domestic animals in large scale disasters.  PART provides animal handling, emergency sheltering, and temporary foster care, all available to assist law enforcement and emergency responders with a simple call to 911.  We also provide guidance and training to local County Animal Response Teams faced with responding to any emergency related to domestic animals in the state of Pennsylvania.

PART is a nonprofit and is an organization ensuring the safety of animals in the face of an emergency. It is important to note that PART is not an animal shelter nor an adoption agency for animals.

We provide hands on response as well as training and guidance to emergency responders saving the lives of domestic animals including pets, equestrian, and agricultural animals.

These efforts benefit and represent the lives of millions of our innocent animals that are residents of Pennsylvania that do not have a voice, while also protecting human lives.

Pennsylvania’s animals are worth over 2 billion dollars and are ensuring their safety is vital to our state’s economy.

All Directors Serve Without Compensation

Effective 01-01-24

Joel Hersh-Board Chair
Mechanicsburg, PA
Term Expires December 31, 2026


Karel Minor-Vice-Chair and Treasurer
Federation of Humane Societies of Pennsylvania
Reading, PA
Permanent Seat


Molly Dougherty
PA Emergency Management Agency
Harrisburg, PA
Permanent Seat


Nan Hanshaw, DVM, DACVPM
PA Department of Agriculture
Harrisburg, PA
Permanent Seat


Norris Benns, Jr, Esq.
Philadelphia, PA
Term Expires December 31,2026


Erica Tramuta-Drobnis VMD, MPH, CPH
PA Veterinary Medical Association
Zionsville, PA
Permanent Seat


Douglas Dinwoodie
Ambler, PA
Term Expires December 31, 2026

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January 12th, 2025 in Northampton County: Received call to possible help PSP with 22 dogs, and 1 horse needing to be removed from propertyJanuary 11th, 2025 in Westmoreland County: Assistance needed transporting 3 lg dogs and 1 bunny to local kennel for humane case surrender situation.December 30th, 2024 in Allegheny County: Assistance helping to catch 2 cats loose from a previous fire incident. Traps were set up, so far one cat caught.January 8th, 2025 in Westmoreland County: Request from HPO to assist local woman in need with 10 dogs, 7 cats, and 4 ferrets. Pet Care Kit delivered.January 6th, 2025 in Westmoreland County: Owner and 1 dog displaced by family emergency needed Pet Pantry assistance. Pet Kit delivered to friend's home.January 7th, 2025 in Westmoreland County: 1 cat & owner in need of Pet Care Kit due to temporary displacement and staying at homeless shelter.January 10th, 2025 in Fayette County: 4 dogs with family displaced due to house fire. Pet Care Kit delivered to client at friends home.January 8th, 2025 in Allegheny County: Assistance requested for house fire client with 2 dogs. Client initially said they needed help, then refuse...January 2nd, 2025 in Allegheny County: 2 adult cats and family displaced by house fire. Delivered Pet Care Kit to hotel.December 31st, 2024 in Allegheny County: 1 dog and owner displaced by house fire. Delivered Pet Care Kit to hotel.