American Humane Association Dispatches Rescue Team To Assist Animals Caught In Colorado Fires

American Humane Association
Tuesday, 13 June 2000

The American Humane Association (AHA), a national animal and child protection organization based in Englewood, dispatched its Emergency Animal Relief team this morning to help rescue animals caught in the Colorado wildfires. The team, headed by Dr. Dick Green, is currently assessing the situation along with other animal welfare organizations in Park and Jefferson County to determine how best to assist in rescuing animals. AHA is also working with the Humane Society of Larimer County on helping animals affected by the Bobcat Fire.

The American Humane Association has been helping animals in disasters since World War I when asked by the US government to form a rescue and ambulance service for injured cavalry horses. The past five years have been among the busiest ever for AHA's emergency animal relief. AHA has rescued animals after every major recent disaster including earthquakes, hurricanes and floods. Most recently, AHA worked to rescue animals caught in the Los Alamos fires.

Tips For Protecting Your Pet During An Evacuation

If you are evacuated due to the wildfires in Colorado, or any other natural disaster, the American Humane Association recommends you take the following steps to ensure your pet is safe:

- Take your pet with you. If you must evacuate your house, do not leave your pet behind. If it is unsafe for you to remain, it is unsafe for your pet as well.

- Place an out-of-state or out-of-area contact name and number, along with your own, on your pet's ID tag.

- Have your pet's health certificate and a photo handy at all times to prove ownership if you're separated from your pet during a disaster.

- Keep your pet's vaccinations up-to-date in case you have to board your pet or leave the state.

- Have a portable carrier, collar, and leash available for evacuation.

- Create a list of boarding facilities within a 100-mile radius of your home, and a list of nearby hotels that accept pets and under what circumstances.

- List friends and relatives who could care for your pet for an extended period of time if you lose your home.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org