Background Statement
Founded in 1985 in South Lake Tahoe, California, Code 3 Associates began with a simple but essential vision: to provide crucial, specialized training for law enforcement officers facing complex animal-related situations. We were incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1998.
Ten years later, in response to the urgent needs highlighted by the Oklahoma City bombings, we developed BART (Big Animal Rescue Truck). This fully self-sufficient, state-of-the-art vehicle was instrumental in supporting animal rescue and care in disaster zones for many years. BART's introduction marked a significant chapter in our history, demonstrating our commitment to specialized resources and leading to a period where direct disaster deployment was a significant part of our mission.
From Response to Readiness: Training with a Purpose
Today, we have come full circle to embrace our founding mission. The expertise gained during our years of direct disaster response now fuels our specialized curriculum. We have shifted our focus back to providing crucial training for law enforcement officers facing complex animal-related situations.. In partnership with Colorado State University, we offer a broad range of animal-related training programs and academies across the United States. Each year, we educate over 1,500 students, equipping them with critical skills for animal law enforcement, emergency response, and humane animal care.
As we continue to grow, our commitment is to expand our educational offerings by making our expertise accessible, strengthening communities and ensuring they are equipped to protect animals in the face of injustice and disaster.