The C.A.R.E (Citizens Animal Rescue and Evacuation) Project was developed at Louisiana Tech University to aid LSART (Louisiana State Animal Response Team) in the event of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, involving horses. Bases within the Agricultural Sciences department at Louisiana Tech, the C.A.R.E. Project consist of equine science students and Department of Agricultural Sciences extra-curricular club members who will serve as the core of volunteers from north Louisiana to assist in evacuation and recovery efforts of horses. Seminars and workshops have been offered to students and citizens to inform them of proper handling and care procedures of horses, and instructions on how to be eligible to serve LSART in an emergency.

      During non-emergency times, students enrolled in C.A.R.E service learning classes trained and participated with horses at non-profit organizations, such as therapeutic riding centers, and other horse operations in need of volunteers. Six equine science classes with a total enrollment of 103 students were involved in this project which began in January 2007 and ended June 2008, although students still serve. Each student was required a minimum of eight hours per class to serve. Many students also became trained in ICS 100 (Incident Command Systems) that allows them to serve LSART during emergencies. Some students choose to become certified in more than just the 100 level, and five students received further training by attending a three day workshop in Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue.

      While the funding period of the ULS Serves/ Learn and Serve America grant has passed, the C.A.R.E. Project continues.