Maybe you heard about it on the radio on your way into work, or maybe you read about it on Twitter. No matter how you found out, the news of animals impacted by natural disasters shocked your system. Your think of the many people evacuating their homes, and the thousands of beloved pets who, for any number of reasons, are separated from their families. You know there's an incredible need for animal rescue after natural disasters, and you want to help — but where do you start?
The good news is that you're not alone. Animal welfare organizations all across the country have pitched in to care for animals in the aftermatch of natural disasters. They have provided many opportunities for you to support disaster relief efforts for these pets in their time of need. By volunteering your time, space or any resources you can spare, you can play a major role in saving an animal's life.
Volunteer Your Time
If you've heard about a crisis in a neighboring state, you may be ready to spring into action. But when it comes to animal rescue after natural disasters, consider your own safety first and foremost. Affected areas can remain dangerous long after major weather events have subsided. First try contacting local or national animal welfare organizations devoted to caring for animals in natural disasters.
If you're not sure where to start, try calling local veterinarians. Many animal specialists are connected to, or at least familiar with, volunteer organizations that may be preparing to provide on-the-ground support. An online search for "local animal welfare organizations" may offer guidance as well. Once you have a contact, they can walk you through next steps and equip you for the tough, rewarding work ahead.
Another important way you can donate your time is community organizing. Many organizations need food, water, first aid kits, treats, toys and money to care for displaced animals. Try gathering friends or neighbors to run a resource drive to support your cause. Local pet stores may be able to help spread the word about your efforts and perhaps even donate additional supplies. Local organizations can work with you to deliver your donations to the places that need them most.
If you're interested in doing this type of volunteering, the best time to start getting connected to an organization is before disaster strikes. Doing so can help give you enough time to get trained or placed on a certain team before you need to deploy to a disaster zone. This also benefits rescue organizations, because while volunteers are vital to their success, their focus will be on helping pets when the time comes — not trying to equipd you with the skills you need to be a resource.
Tasty Tips
Volunteer Your Home
In the wake of weather crises, many displaced pets simply need to be safely relocated and cared for until they find their forever homes.
If you have space in your home and the time to devote to pet care, consider becoming a foster parent. Reach out to local animal welfare organizations and shelters to let them know that your home is safe and dry, and that you're committed to sharing it with animals in natural disasters. Even if you're not aware of an urgent situation, you can offer your help now for any future need that arises.
Provide Resources
It might not be feasible for you to join a volunteer organization or foster a pet. But that doesn't mean you can't make a difference. Consider asking an animal welfare organization what supplies they need. Then create a shopping list and pick up those items to contribute. Or consider donating money to support the organizations involved with pet rescue year round.
When natural disasters strike, there is no shortage of need for warm hearts and strong hands. By assisting experts and organizations however you can, you'll be touching and saving more lives than you might ever know.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Dog Food
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws dry dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Chicken Recipe dog food
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Beef recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Small & Mini Chicken & Vegetable Stew Dog Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Large Breed dry dog food is gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & promoting a lustrous coat. In a delicious large bite size for large breed dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy
Related articles
Do Dogs & Cats Have Empathy?
Empathy is an important trait in humans, but can dogs & cats be empathetic as well? Find out what research shows about pets and empathy.
What Human Food Does to Your Pet: Human Caloric Equivalents
Use this this human food equivalent chart to see what effect feeding your pet table scraps really has on their daily caloric intake.
Keeping Pets Calm During Thunderstorms
Is your dog scared of thunder? Does your kitty dart under the bed at the first rumble? Learn a few tips for keeping your pets calm during the storm.
What do animal shelters do?
An animal shelter near you takes in homeless animals. Learn how it shows animals in shelters aren't there for behavioral or medical problems, and many make healthy pets in loving homes.
Moving With a Pet: A How-To Guide
Discover helpful tips for moving with your pet including safety recommendations to keep in mind on moving day & pet behavior to watch for at your new home.
The Incredible Science Behind Your Pet's Microbiome
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Can Dogs and Cats Eat Ham?
With ham & pork products being popular holiday foods, learn how safe it is to give your dog or cat table scraps like ham, bacon and other pork products.
Adopting a Pet: What You Need to Know
Learn the basics of adopting a pet, including where to begin and common questions you should ask yourself when deciding which kind of pet is best for you.
Predictive Biology: The Science Behind Our Pet Food
Learn how the science of predictive biology plays a role in formulating your pet's food to interact and work with your pet's biological process.
Shelter Heroes: How a Pet Adoption Counselor Finds Forever Homes
Learn about one dog trainer's journey to becoming a pet adoption counselor and how she's honed her skills to match people up with just the right pets.
Can Dogs and Cats Eat Butter?
Learn all about whether butter is safe for your dog or cat and what to do if they eat it.
How the Loss of a Pet Affects Your Other Pets
Discover how your pets might be impacted by the loss of another. Learn how to recognize their signs of grieving & how to help them cope with their loss.
Can Dogs & Cats Have Avocados? (& Are They Safe?)
Even though avocados are healthy for humans, discover whether they're safe for dogs & cats (including details on potentially harmful ingredients for pets).
Understanding Shedding Season for Cats and Dogs
Learn all about dog & cat shedding seasons, including what a typical shedding cycle looks like and how to deal with all the hair in your home.
Giving Pets as Gifts: How to Do So Responsibly
Is giving someone a pet a good idea? It may seem like a wonderful idea, but important factors to consider and some tips for doing it the right way.
How to Read a Pet Food Label
Let Hill's help you better understand how to read your pet's food labels, so you can ensure you are purchasing the right product for your dog or cat.
Understanding Sustainable Pet Food: How Your Pet's Food Impacts the Environment
Concerned about your pet's environmental impact? Learn how sustainable pet food can help you care for the planet without compromising pet nutrition.
Pet Food Labels Provide Limited Nutritional Information
Pet food labels only give you a fraction of the nutritional info you need to know when choosing a pet food. Learn what other factors should you consider.
Is My Pet Gay?
Stop wondering whether or not dogs or cats can be gay and discover what science says about this behavior in the animal kingdom.
Water
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your pet on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.