How to Help Pets During Disasters

In recent years, we've seen many disastersmembers. Donations can also be made here.
wreak havoc in different parts of the world: the2. PAWS: This nonprofit organization specializes in
tsunami in Thailand, Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana,rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, as well
and the earthquake in Haiti, just to name a few.as sheltering and adopting homeless pets in
As pet lovers, our hearts do double-duty, goingWashington State. They also assist in disasters
out to both the people involved as well as theirthat happen locally. Volunteers and foster homes
displaced pets. Now that the Gulf Coast is onceare needed in the Lynwood, Washington area and
again in the midst of a disaster due to the BP oildonations to the organization can be made here.
spill, we can't help but wonder how to help the3. ASPCA: I don't doubt that you've seen their
people and pets in the area.heart-wrenching commercials advertising the fact
We've pulled together some useful informationthat there are so many pets out there who need
about how to help pets during this tragic oil spill -help. The ASPCA also devotes their efforts for
as well as how to help pets during any type ofpets that are victims of natural disasters. You can
disaster and what you can do if a disaster strikeshelp keep their natural disaster team in action and
where you live.support the ASPCA as a whole by becoming a
Help for Pets Affected by the Oil Spillmember or making a donation.
Local animal shelters in the Gulf region are floodedHow to Keep Your Pets Safe During Disasters
with dogs and cats that have been given up.You never know if your family will be facing a
Animal Rescue New Orleans has received manyhurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake, or any other
calls from families who have lost their jobs due totype of disaster. Not only should you have a
the spill. Other shelters have doubled and evendisaster plan for you and your family members,
tripled their intake of pets whose families had toyou should also have one in place for your pets.
decide that they could no longer afford to careHere are a few tips to help you be prepared:
for them.- Keep a collar and tag on your dogs and cats at
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)all times. During a disaster an animal can escape
has stepped in to do what it can to help out andand a collar and tag increases your chances of
has already transferred many surrendered dogsgetting your beloved pet back. The tag should
to their headquarters in Gaithersberg, Maryland.include your phone number and address (and
These dogs have been picked up by local sheltersmaybe even your email address). If you have
and groups for adoption.been evacuated and are going to be living away
HSUS has also made strides to assist families infrom home for an extended period of time, have
keeping their pets. 12 tons of dog and cat fooda temporary tag made with the phone number of
have been delivered to the Gulf area to bewhere you are staying. Email may also be a good
distributed to residents who have been directlyform of communication for you while you are not
affected by the spill.staying at home.
There are many ways to make a contribution- Identify several possible locations outside of
toward both the pets that have lost their homesyour area where you can take your animals
and those in danger of being surrendered:should you have to evacuate such as boarding
- The dogs that HSUS transported back tokennels, veterinary clinics with boarding space, and
Maryland are available for adoption through thefriends and other family members. Look for
Loudon County Animal Shelter, Lost Dog and Cathotels/motels that accept animals. Red Cross
Rescue Foundation, and the SPCA of Anneevacuation shelters do not allow animals, so be
Arundel County.sure you have somewhere else to go with your
- Animal Rescue of New Orleans has a Petpets.
Retention Program, where a $25/month donation- Set up a system with your trusted neighbors,
can help ease the financial burden of caring for aso that they will check on your animals during a
pet so that families can keep them, rather thandisaster in case you aren't home (and do the
give them up.same for them). Swap information about your
- Make a donation, volunteer, or even adopt a petpets' veterinarians and have a permission slip put
from St. Bernard's Parish and Plaquemines Animalin your file at the vet, authorizing your neighbor to
Welfare Society - just two of the many sheltersget necessary emergency treatment for your
who have seen a dramatic rise in surrenderedanimal in the event that you can't be reached.
pets.- Prepare a pet evacuation/disaster kit that
- The Deepwater Horizon Response hasincludes food, water, and everything your pet
information on volunteering to help wildlife in theneeds to survive and be as comfortable as
area.possible until the danger has passed. Keep all of
Help for Pets Affected by Any Disasterthe items stored in a sturdy, waterproof carrier,
There are many organizations geared towardthat's easy to carry. Your kit should be readily
helping pets that are in need at any time. In theaccessible so that it can be retrieved quickly.
throes of a disaster, their response units mobilizeVisit our website for the full list of what your pet
and do whatever they can to help. Here are adisaster kit should contain and other pertinent
few that are always grateful for volunteers anddisaster preparedness information.
financial support:Disasters often strike when you're least expecting
1. Humane Society of the United States (HSUS):it. Pets are very much a part of the family and
They've already been helping with the oil spillare also victims of disaster. There are many
effort and they have their own special Nationalways to help, including volunteering and donations
Disaster Animal Response Team- but don't forget about keeping your own family
(NDART™). NDART™ is made up ofand pets safe by being prepared so that you are
animal care professionals and other qualifiedable to help others in distress.
volunteers and takes applications for new team