Published:
Advertisement
TAMPA Numerous animal welfare organizations are mobilizing to help pets affected by Hurricane Katrina. Work being done by these groups includes tending to injured animals, providing food and other supplies, trying to reunite pets with their owners and finding shelter for those abandoned or homeless. Here is a list of some groups that are helping and some ways that you can help: • The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Tampa Bay is collecting supplies. The SPCA and volunteers from the Disaster Animal Response Team are in Hattiesburg, Miss., to help displaced animals. Needed supplies include medium and large crates, disposable rubber gloves, liquid hand soap, paper towels, garbage bags, canned puppy food, bleach, cat litter, scoops for litter, leashes, collars, harnesses, blankets, dish soap, cleaning supplies, brushes, food bowls and food for guinea pigs, mice and other pocket pets. For a complete list, go to www.spcatampabay.org. Bring supplies or send checks designated for "Hurricane Katrina Relief" to SPCA Tampa Bay, 9099 130th Ave. N., Largo FL 33773-1441. For information, call (727) 586-3591. • Emergency Animal Rescue Service is sending volunteers into disaster areas to help tend to lost and abandoned animals. It also is accepting donations. For information, go to www.uan.org. • The Humane Society of United States Disaster Relief Fund's Animal Response Teams are working with state officials, federal agencies, and other organizations to evacuate animals out of the worst areas. They are preparing to establish pet-friendly shelters and deliver supplies, resources and medical assistance. To help, go to www.hsus.org. • The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is accepting donations to help hurricane-damaged communities rebuild their animal shelters. To make a donation, call 1-866-275-3923. • Best Friends Animal Society is reuniting people with pets that were lost or left behind during Hurricane Katrina. Call (435) 644-3965, Ext. 4455, or e-mail hurricane@bestfriends.org. To volunteer, go to www.bestfriends.orgor call (435) 644-3965, Ext. 4242. To make a donation, call (435) 644-2001 and tell the operator you want to make a donation. • The American Kennel Club its affiliated organization, AKC Companion Animal Recovery, is working with member and licensed clubs in hurricane-stricken states and the American Veterinary Medical Association to determine where shelters and staging areas will be established so that supplies and assistance can be provided. The AKC is shipping crates, exercise pens, and food and water bowls. Dog clubs, shelters or individuals in need of assistance or that want to help, can call 1-800-252-7894. Tax-deductible donations also may be sent to the AKC/CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund, American Kennel Club, 260 Madison Ave., Fourth Floor, New York NY 10016-2401 • North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, N.Y., will transport animals from overcrowded shelters to its shelter. For details, call 1-877-472-3738 or see www.nsalamerica.org. • Noah's Wish, a national organization dedicated to helping animals during disasters, has a rescue team in Louisiana. To learn how to help, go to www.noahswish. org. • Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine's Animal Evacuation and Recovery Plan for New Orleans is accepting financial donations to support efforts to house, treat and feed displaced animals. To help, go to www.vetmed.lsu.edu. • Alley Cat Allies, a national nonprofit clearinghouse for information on feral and stray cats, is working to help cats displaced by the hurricane. To help, go to www.alleycat.org.