Episode 34- Mission Ready "Inside the ASAR B.E.S.T. program"

In this episode, hosts Eric Thompson and Carla Lewis are joined by special guest Brigid Elchos to introduce ASAR’s new program designed specifically for emergency managers planning for animals during disasters.

From hurricanes and floods to wildfires and evacuations, animals are often an overlooked—but critical—part of emergency response. This conversation explores how the ASAR B.E.S.T. Program helps communities prepare, respond, and recover by integrating animal rescue and sheltering into disaster planning.

Eric, Carla, and Brigid break down why animal-inclusive planning matters, what emergency managers need to know, and how this new program provides practical tools, training, and support to build stronger, safer, and more resilient response systems.

Whether you’re an emergency manager, first responder, animal welfare professional, or disaster response leader, this episode offers real-world insight into protecting people and their animals when it matters most.