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Information / Suggestions for Katrina Animal Rescue Volunteers
The ASPCA Will Be Mobilizing Volunteers This Week: Those who have signed up with the ASPCA to
help will be contacted so we can connect them with team leaders in their areas of interest and
expertise. Your time is valuable, and we want to make sure we use it well.
Don't Head South Until Directed: The ASPCA is advising volunteers not to head to Louisiana or
Mississippi unless you've been directed to do so by the ASPCA or one of the other national
organizations doing disaster relief in the area. Because of serious health hazards and other safety
concerns, only trained and vaccinated individuals are being permitted to do direct rescue. In some
areas, volunteers are actually being turned away.
Help Out At Home: The best way to help right now may be right in your own backyard, so check in
with your local shelter. Many local agencies have sent staff to help with the relief efforts, so
shelters may need help filling in with essential tasks, from office work to animal care, while staff
are deployed in the Gulf region. As many of you realize, it's not just the displaced animals that
need assistance. Those that were already in shelters and waiting for homes when disaster struck need
relief.
According to FEMA and other sources, 34 states are hosting Katrina refugees. These include Arkansas,
Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and West Virginia. The
list is expected to grow. In addition, communities across the country are hosting survivors who made
their own relocation arrangements. Local communities will be challenged to find temporary housing
for hundreds of families and their pets.
This Disaster Will Have Long-Term Effects: Hurricane Katrina's aftermath will last many months,
even years. As we move through the phases of "Rescue. Reunite. Re-home," we want everyone to have an
opportunity to assist in a meaningful way, even if you're not in the areas directly affected by the
disaster. If you can't help now, there will still be opportunities later.
Keep Emotions In Check: Please don't "blast" officials and others who are heading relief efforts.
With some exceptions, everyone is doing the best they can. Time spent criticizing officials could
better be spent helping animals.
Respect Quarantine Restrictions: Stranded animals cannot leave some areas for as long as 30
days, and in many cases it's better for animals to stay as close to home as possible should owners
want to reclaim them. In addition, the ASPCA does not have jurisdiction over state or government
decisions.
ASPCA, 09/15/2005
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Copyright © 2008 Humane Society of Central Illinois. All rights reserved.