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.