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 Healthy Cuisine Poached Salmon & Spinach Medley Cat Food
Delicious poached salmon paired with tender spinach in a mouthwatering sauce
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley cat food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced turkey & liver to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level, joint health, and beautiful coat in large breed mature dogs
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Fewer calories for less active cats
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Related articles
Hilarious Reasons We’re All Thankful for Our Pets This Year
In this season of thanks make sure to include why you’re thankful for your pet. I’m sure a handful of these will resonate well with you.
Secondhand Smoke and Pets: What You Need to Know
Learn how secondhand smoke affects your pets, including signs that smoking is affecting them, and why smoking around animals is dangerous to their health.
What Do Veterinary Technicians & Nurses Do?
What do vet techs & nurses do? More than you realize! Learn about the important role veterinary technician's play as part of your pet's health care team.
How Pets Help Ease the Transition to an Empty Nest
If you're struggling with the future of an empty nest as your kids go to college or move away, pets can help ease that transition.
Getting Rid of Pet Hair Around the House
Pet hair removal is often a struggle, but not impossible. Learn tips for cleaning many household surfaces, as well as getting rid of airborne pet hair.
Reasons to Be Thankful for Your Pet This Year
Learn some of the heart-warming reasons that you should be thankful for your pet this Thanksgiving holiday.
Adopting Special Needs Pets
Learn what it's like to adopt a special needs pet and how behavioral challenges or disabilities can be overcome to give them a proper forever home.
What You Should Know About Pet Food Calories
Learn how to determine how many calories your dog or cat needs each day, as well as how to count their calories and what to do if they're getting too many.
Pet Home Alone: Back to School's Effect on Your Pet
Learn the impact of heading back to school and suddenly leaving your pet home alone, how you can help this transition & ease their separation anxiety.
Cat and Dog Food for Skin and Coat Health | Hill's Pet
Learn nutrition's role in your pet's skin and coat health, as well as tips for choosing the best dog or cat food for a healthy coat.
Vet Recommended Pet Food Explained
Vet recommended. You see the words on everything from pet food to flea medication. But what does it mean and why should you pay attention?
How to Perform CPR on Dogs & Cats
Knowing how to perform CPR on a dog or cat can potentially save your pet's life. Learn the step-by-step instructions you need to know.
Adopting a Blind Dog or Cat: What You Need to Know
If you're considering adopting a blind pet, learn tips & considerations for living with a blind cat or dog and how to prepare your home for a blind pet.
Pet Food Storage Tips
Discover how and where to store your dry, as well as canned, dog and cat food. Learn how to find the "best before" dates on all Hill's pet food packaging.
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.
How to Care for Terminally Ill Pets
Terminal illness is one of the toughest things pet parents face. Learn how to handle caring for a terminally ill pet with end of life care.
When Should You Consider Putting a Pet Down?
Learn important signs & factors to consider when deciding if it's time to put a pet down, including severity of an illness, physical restrictions, & more.
TAILS of Aging in Older Pets
Learn the five key criteria for observing aging in your pet, including thinking, activity, interaction, loss of control and sleep cycles.
Bonded Pair Cats and Dogs Can Be Double the Fun
Learn about the special relationship between bonded pairs of cats & dogs and why it's a great idea to adopt both of them together.
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.