How
To Help The Displaced Pets Of Hurricane
Katrina
by:
Hannah
Chastain
The temporary shelters are filled
and the pets left behind by victims
of Hurricane Katrina are turning
up in shelters and Humane Societies
across the South.
Many rescuers have stopped trying
to find the dogs and cats, and
have opted to just leave food
and water for the unlucky thousands
of animals trying to survive.
The Atlanta Humane Society is
currently housing pets that belong
to Hurricane Katrina evacuees
in the Atlanta area and is offering
free medical assistance to any
evacuee pet in need.
The Arizona Humane Society is
in New Orleans trying to help
provide for the pets left behind.
“It’s very dire,” Kim Noetzel
told Reuters News Service. Noetzel
is the marketing director for
the Arizona Humane Society and
the organization is doing everything
it can to help the displaced dogs
and cats affected by Hurricane
Katrina.
We all can help too.
The Atlanta Humane society is
accepting donations for its relief
efforts on its website, www.atlantahumane.org.
PetSmart Charities Rescue is
providing specially designed vehicles
to transport dogs and cats from
hurricane-ravaged areas into safety.
Over 150 animals have been saved
by the rescue effort from one
of the largest pet store chains
in the country.
Those who want to help PetSmart’s
efforts can maketax-deductable
donations by calling 1-800-423-PETS
or visiting www.petsmartcharities.org.
Petfinder.com has set up a
database to help reunite pets
left behind by the disaster as
well as try to find home for pets
without one. The database, according
to the website, features the following:
- A place where displaced hurricane
victims post the locations of
their pets so that rescuers
can go in and save them.
- Rescuers post the descriptions
and photos of pets they find.
- Volunteers post their offers
of foster care for displaced
pets.
Petfinder.com also has an
area where those who want to help
can make a donation to help support
the
Petfinder.com Foundation Disaster
Fund.
According to the Orlando Sentinel,
an estimated 30,000 pets have
been left homeless by Hurricane
Katrina. Helping websites like
www.katrinafoundpets.com,
can help reunite loved ones with
the furry friends they had to
leave behind.
