Here's How You Can Help Pets Who Are Affected By Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey is likely the worst storm that Texas has ever seen, submerging Houston and parts of Louisiana, and it is not showing signs of stopping. Up to 50 inches more rain is predicted to continue to plague the area.

While humans are certainly affected terribly by this natural disaster, animals have been in peril, and volunteers and good Samaritans have been doing everything they can to help all the precious animals that they can. They need all the assistance they can get – and you can help, too. Here’s how.

1. Give support to shelters.

Shelter volunteers are tirelessly working 24/7 to ensure the safety of the animals in their care. There are countless shelters in the affected areas, including the SPCA of Brazoria County – which has set up an additional temporary shelter with over 200 different animals and counting – BARC, and the Harris County Animal Shelter.

To support these shelters, head on to their websites and donate to them or buy items for them via their Amazon wish lists.

2. Give support to local rescues.

Rescue groups, like shelters, have been taking in animals in need and at risk from even before the storm began hitting the streets. Animals left chained up outside as the tides began to rise were rescued, and those who may have ended up stuck in a waterlogged home were taken in as well.

Some local rescues include Houston K911 Rescue, S.A.V.E. Rescue Coalition, Warriors Educate About Rescue, the Forgotten Dogs of the 5th Ward Project, and the Rescued Pets Movement. You can support these shelters and more via the nonprofit group Houston PetSet, which has readied the Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund.

3. Give support to big national groups that are helping with the crisis.

The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, Petco Foundation, RedRover and Best Friends Animal Society are all doing their best to provide supplies, resources, and even emergency grants, with some doing all they can to rescue animals out of the floods themselves.

Once again, the best way to help is by donating, or volunteering for groups asking for help!

4. Give support to animals and their families.

Many shelter centers allow families with pets to find refuge within them, and these families have no idea how long they’ll be stuck there and likely didn’t have the chance to pack necessary supplies.

Volunteers with animals shelters have been working to ensure that enough food, litter, and other supplies are available for every single pet in need. You can help by donating to animal shelters that do this work.

5. Bring animals in danger to safety.

Rescue organizations and shelters have been rescuing and taking in animals at risk daily. But how do those animals get there in the first place?

While many shelters do send out their own vehicles to rescue these pups, some individual rescuers and independent rescue organizations join in and help transport animals that are in danger or at risk to shelters that can take them in.

How can you help? Of course, donations to these rescuers are the main way to do so. But you can also opt to choose now to adopt or become a foster parent for the pets that are in shelters and need homes. (These animals will not be those who were rescued from Harvey homes, but those who have been in the shelter for longer.) This helps clear up shelter space.

If you happen to be affiliated with a shelter or rescue, you can reach out to them to let them know if you have room for lost Harvey pets, if you can help in the transportation process, or any other way you can help.

6. Make sure your own pets are safe.

Do everything you can to ensure that your pups are kept out of harm’s way. In such a terrible hurricane, it’s incredibly important that your own pets do not wind up being part of those that have to be rescued.

In order to make sure your dogs are as safe with you as you can, try your best to do everything you can to bring your pets with you if you have to evacuate. Ensure that you pack food, water, bowls, medication, and a collar, leash, and ID with up-to-date information. Get your pups microchipped if you haven’t already!

If you absolutely cannot bring your pups along, put up a rescue alert sticker on a visible front window and contact your local emergency management office to inform them that your pups need to be rescued. Do not tie your pup up, as this can stop them from being able to get to high ground or escape if needed.

Animals cannot do much to save themselves in such a fearsome storm, so do consider doing your part to help animals in need during the course of Hurricane Harvey. Please share with post with everyone you know.

Feature Image Source: Lisa Hurley First