Storyboard / No Pets Left Behind

Back to Storyboard Posts

No Pets Left Behind

September 6, 2016

rewire-200

This article originally appeared on Rewire.

Cuteness alert: click for a full slideshow from the rescue trip.

With natural disasters top of mind, there’s no better time to make a plan for you and your family should you ever be in such a situation—this includes a plan for your beloved animal family members.

I recently traveled with Good Karma Animal Rescue of MN to Louisiana where we assisted local animal shelters and rescue groups with flood relief efforts. In addition to delivering much needed supplies, we rescued 26 animals who were homeless prior to the flooding to make room at the shelters for all of the newly displaced pets.

While in Louisiana, we volunteered at a temporary animal shelter for pets displaced by the flooding—cleaning kennels, walking dogs, feeding and watering pets. There were more than 300 pets at this facility—it was loud and stressful—no place any rightful pet owner would want their friend to be.

This was my first time in assisting with disaster relief in an affected area—and as prepared as I could be—my eyes were opened. It tested me physically (taking me a week to recover) as well as emotionally. As an animal lover, the most difficult thing for me to overcome was that the hope of these pets being reunited with their families is slim due to just two simple steps pet owners could have taken.

A quick pet care PSA:

  1. ID Tags – It sounds so simple yet not everyone does it. Have your pet wear a collar with a tag that contains your current contact information. Pet gets displaced, you are a phone call away. You can get these at your local pet supply store and even order them online.
  2. Microchipping – Pets who are adopted from shelters and rescues have likely been microchipped so make sure the contact information associated with the microchip is current. While the average person can’t scan for a microchip, if your pet winds up in a shelter, they will know to scan for a chip. If your pet isn’t currently microchipped—do it now! If cost is an issue, know that there are low-cost and even free resources for those who need it.

The great thing about both of these steps is once they are done—they’re done! Just keep them updated if you move or if your contact information changes.

Making an emergency supplies kit for your pets, as well as knowing about local accommodations that allow pets are a couple of other steps you can take to be prepared for a natural disaster. The Animal Humane Society of the United States has additional tips for making a disaster plan for your pets here.

For tips on disaster relief volunteering, click here.

For ways to support the people affected by the flooding in Louisiana, click here.

To assist Good Karma Animal Rescue of MN with their Louisiana rescue run expenses, click here.

© Twin Cities Public Television - 2016. All rights reserved.

Comments

Read Next

Top
To Top