Dorian Increases Need for Animal Rescues

Oct 01, 2019 03:05AM ● By Julie Peterson

There are many organizations that routinely help adoptable animals in our area. In the wake of Dorian, many more pets have arrived at shelters and humane societies and additional assistance from the public is needed more than ever to care for animals that have been displaced.

For those who can adopt, there are many options at this time. As always, it’s important to research what type of pet will be a good match for your home and family. Shelter workers are typically able to give advice on how a new pet will fit in with existing pets or young children, but there are also best fits for people with different energy levels and mobility issues. If adopting isn’t a good fit for your family right now, there are other ways to help.

Brevard Humane Society has allocated over 1,000 pounds of food to help agencies working on the front lines to rescue, relocate, feed and care for pets that have been left homeless due to flooding from the hurricane.

“We’re committed to supporting everyone we can, who has been impacted by this disaster, including pets and pet parents staying in evacuation centers and shelters who may not have access to the pet food and essentials they need,” says Theresa Clifton, Executive Director of Brevard Humane Society

Financial donations to assist Brevard Humane Society’s efforts can be made online (BrevardHumaneSociety.org) and material goods (dog or cat food, treats, leashes/collars, litter/litter pans and puppy pads) can be sent or brought directly to their adoption center at 1020 Cox Road in Cocoa.

The H.A.L.O. Rescue No-Kill Shelter is full after partnering with GreaterGood.org to rescue 83 dogs from the Humane Society of Grand Bahama. The Grand Bahama site was hit hard by the hurricane and suffered staggering loss of life due to flooding. The dogs that survived had been standing in saltwater mixed with gasoline for more than a week. After arriving at HALO, the dogs were being treated for injuries and pampered.

“Those dogs went through more than most people go through in a lifetime, yet they were in great spirits and wagging tails when we greeted them,” said Allyson Bootes, Director of Development at HALO.

HALO is in need donated blankets, sheets, towels and pillowcases, which can be dropped off at 710 Jackson Street in Sebastian. Monetary donations can be made by calling or online.

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast also continues to do extra work thanks to Dorian. In addition to the nearly 250 shelter animals that remained at the Martin County shelter, the facility also boarded more than 100 pets from first responders and mandatory evacuees in the county for three days.

After the hurricane, 12 dogs and 12 cats from the Bahamas were taken in at the Treasure Coast facility, with more expected to arrive as the rescue efforts continue. Updates can be found on hstc1.org/hurricane-dorian and donations can also be made on the website.

SIDEBAR:

Local Animal Shelters