ASPCA National Shelter Outreach Awards Disaster Relief Grants to Animal Shelters Affected by California Wildfires

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Tuesday, 23 December 2003

Six agencies were selected based on their request for assistance.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (ASPCA's) National Shelter Outreach department has awarded ASPCA Disaster Relief grants totaling $40,000 to six animal welfare organizations to assist in offsetting the costs associated with their response to the recent wildfires in California. These agencies provided assistance to the communities affected by the fires in Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino and San Diego counties in October 2003.

"The ASPCA applauds the many agencies that responded quickly to aid and protect animals during this crisis," comments Julie Morris, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA National Shelter Outreach department. "We understand the challenges that a major disaster places on the staff and resources of responding agencies, and recognize that financial aid to help with their disaster relief efforts is a significant and appreciative role we can play in our animal welfare community."

The six agencies were selected based on their request for assistance, and the extent of their rescue efforts:

• Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley


• Humane Society of Ventura County


• SPCA Los Angeles


• Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA)


• Emergency Animal Rescue


• Animal Advocates

RESCUE ALERT CARD: This easy to fill out card will alert people that pets are inside your home in the event there is an emergency. It must contain types and names of pets in your household, contact number for an alternate caretaker and other information, such as urgent medical needs. Contact the ASPCA at beprepared@aspca.org for an emergency pet sticker for your home.

ARRANGE A SAFE HAVEN FOR YOUR PETS IN THE EVENT OF EVACUATION: Do not leave your pets behind. If you do so, they may be at risk for injury or even worse. Red Cross disaster shelters will not accept pets, so it is imperative that you have researched where to bring your pets ahead of time.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES AND TRAVELING KIT: Keep an emergency kit handy for your pets. Your emergency kit should contain a pet first aid kit and book, pop-top food cans or dry food, disposable litter trays, litter or paper toweling, pet feeding dishes, extra leash, photocopies of medical records and a 2-week supply of any medicine your pet needs in a waterproof container, bottled water, a pet traveling bag or sturdy carrier, flash light, blanket and photos of your pets.

CHOOSE 'DESIGNATED CAREGIVERS': This step is something that should take considerable time and thought. You should make plans for a temporary home for your pets, until you can reach them in the event of an unexpected disaster. Also be sure to arrange for a permanent home for them if you are no longer able to care for them.

EVACUATION PREPARATION: Time is of the essence if it is necessary to evacuate your home. It is important to store an emergency kit and leashes as close to a door as possible, make sure all pets are collared with up-to-date identification, always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster and consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

GEOGRAPHICAL/CLIMATIC CONSIDERATIONS: You may live in an area that is prone to certain natural catastrophic phenomena, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods. If this is so, then you should plan accordingly.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org