Interview – Lara, Coordinator of the Animal Disaster Team (ADT)
Animal Disaster Team was founded in 2023 on the initiative of GAIA and has been operational for 18 months. Can you tell us about ADT's mission and role?
Our core mission is to rescue animals in distress during major emergency situations. We intervene in cases of natural disasters, floods, road accidents involving animals, and whenever animals are in immediate danger.
On the ground, we coordinate closely with local authorities and emergency services to ensure animals receive rapid and effective assistance. Every intervention is carefully organised: we quickly deploy specialised teams and equipment adapted to each specific situation.
How did the project come about?
ADT was born from a painful reality: during the devastating floods of 2021, many animals were left behind because there were no specialised resources immediately available, whether for emergency rescue operations or for the logistics needed to care for affected animals. This urgent need inspired us to create a structure capable of intervening anywhere in Belgium, at any time, day or night, to rescue, transport, care for and find shelter for animals in distress.
ADT was born from a painful reality: the many animals that were left behind during the devastating floods of 2021.
What urgent needs do you address?
We respond to life-threatening situations involving animals of all kinds: large animals, companion animals, wildlife and exotic pets, such as reptiles and spiders. Our priority is always the same: ensuring their safety, securing their immediate survival and getting them to safety as quickly as possible.
Who can call on ADT?
ADT is available exclusively to public authorities and organisations, including municipalities, police forces, emergency services, governors and animal protection organisations. This operating model ensures a structured and efficient response in emergency situations.
If a citizen witnesses an animal in distress, they should immediately contact their municipality, the police or the fire brigade, who can then call on ADT if required.
ADT can intervene anywhere, from De Panne to Arlon. How do you maintain such a rapid response capability?
Our operations centre is located in Gembloux, strategically positioned near major road networks. This allows us to reach any intervention site in Belgium within a maximum of two hours. Our strength also lies in our extensive network of volunteers spread across the country. Thanks to this organisation, we can quickly mobilise the necessary resources as soon as an alert is received.
Our operations centre in Gembloux is strategically located near major road networks, allowing us to respond quickly anywhere in Belgium.
Who are ADT's rescuers, and what resources do you have at your disposal?
ADT rescuers are our incredible volunteers—men and women who generously dedicate their time and energy to helping animals in need. Today, more than 70 volunteers are actively involved in our operations. We also have specialised equipment adapted to every species and situation, including off-road vehicles, horse transport trucks, a telescopic handler for lifting large animals, inflatable rescue boats, a thermal drone and a wide range of specialised rescue equipment. All of this equipment was funded by GAIA, which also covers part of our operating costs. In addition, nearly 4,000 donors currently support our work and help fund our day-to-day activities..
Do volunteers receive specific training?
Every volunteer undergoes a basic training programme, followed by advanced specialised training to become fully operational in the field. This includes swift-water rescue, rope rescue techniques, animal and human first aid, interventions involving damaged vehicles and species-specific handling techniques. This versatility enables our teams to respond effectively to virtually any situation.
How do you manage volunteer availability when an alert s issued?
We use a specialised communication system that provides real-time information about volunteer availability. This allows us to rapidly assemble teams based on the skills and certifications required for each intervention.
When the alarm goes off, what is one essential thing to have in your rescue bag?
All our vehicles are already equipped with the necessary tools: transport crates for all species, first-aid kits for animals and humans, capture equipment, protective gear and various rescue tools. But above all, what we always bring with us is a great deal of passion and love for animals..
What is your most memorable rescue intervention?
My most memorable intervention was during the floods in Couvin in October 2024. We were called by the fire brigade and remained on site for almost an entire night and day. We rescued several goats trapped by floodwaters and cared for dogs and cats that had been evacuated by helicopter. I especially remember two dogs we found standing in water up to the middle of their bodies. We were able to evacuate them safely using our rescue boats. Being able to save lives during such critical moments, seeing the relief in the animals and witnessing the joy of families when they are reunited with their companions is simply priceless.
Meeting the grateful gaze of rescued animals and witnessing the immense joy of families reunited with their beloved companions is simply priceless.
What has been your most difficult intervention?
Operations involving severe animal suffering are always particularly challenging. I remember one intervention in an unsanitary house in Charleroi where around fifteen cats had been abandoned. When we arrived, some of them were desperately trying to get out. We were able to rescue those that were still alive, but sadly we also discovered seven deceased cats. In such situations, remaining calm is essential, but every life saved remains a victory and a powerful motivation to continue our mission.
How many animals have you rescued since the start of ADT?
In just 18 months, we have rescued more than 1,200 animals in a wide variety of critical situations. Every life saved is an enormous victory and our greatest motivation to keep going.
Do you have any other figures that illustrate ADT's impact?
Today, ADT means: 70 active volunteers; more than 1,200 animals rescued, more than 270 emergency interventions carried out, more than 50 animal species assisted and more than 600 emergency calls handled.
What keeps you going every day?
What motivates me every day is the deep love and immense respect I have for animals, along with the conviction that we are making a positive contribution to the world. I truly believe that saving animals also means preserving a part of our humanity. To me, this is the most rewarding job in the world, and every successful rescue is a reminder of why we continue with even greater determination.
Support the Animal Disaster Team
ADT is a joint initiative of GAIA and UWPA. The project is funded exclusively through private donations.
We never know when the next disaster will strike or when animals will need urgent assistance. What we do know is that we must always be ready to respond. Thanks to your support, we can train our teams, prepare our equipment, carry out rescue operations and provide help to animals in distress.
Would you like to help our team act quickly and save lives?
Make a donation