As attention turns to the destruction of Hurricane Irma, shelters and rescue groups in Texas are continuing to care for pets displaced by Hurricane Harvey and rescue more animals from floodwaters, and the Petfinder Foundation is still there to lend a helping hand. Here are five new grants sent out to help the animal victims of Harvey.
Take A Chance Animal Rescue: $1,500
The New Orleans-based organization took in 10 dogs from shelters in Texas to make room for pets displaced due to Hurricane Harvey. “We ended up receiving more dogs than originally anticipated and we need to build some new kennels for these dogs. Right now they are being housed in temporary kennels,” says Director Hannah Lyell.
Wags to Whiskers of Texas, Inc.: $2,500
“Floodwaters covered our shelter compound and most of the Porter/Houston area,” says Ron McCuen, director of the Porter, Texas-based shelter. “This has resulted in the massive intake and relocation of animals and a high cost of food, safe housing, veterinary care, and foster placements. We will attempt to resume our adoption process as soon as possible, but our primary adoption location, PetSmart in Humble, Texas, was completely under water and is a total loss. Its expected reopening may not be until December or January and so far, no other facilities are available. Our normal weekly cost of care is over $1,000.” Grant funds will be used to repair and rebuild the shelter and provide food, housing and medical care to rescued pets.
Texas Animal Society: $3,000
The Spring, Texas, rescue group has taken in 15 animals since the storm and expects to take in 10-15 more, as locals who will be displaced for months find temporary housing that will not accept their pets. “We had six fosters lose everything during the storm,” says Treasurer Sue Probst. “All of their animals had to be moved to other fosters. In addition, our local low-cost spay/neuter clinic was destroyed, making vetting costs increase dramatically. Our offsite adoption crates were being stored in a home that was totally underwater.” Grant funds “will help us provide vetting to the additional animals we have taken into the rescue, provide food and bedding for our fosters who have lost their homes and replace items which were damaged in the floods,” Probst says.
Saving Our Companion Animals – Fort Bend County: $1,000
“We’re working in conjunction with Fort Bend County Animal Services and Austin Pets Alive! to foster and adopt displaced animals and abandoned pets,” says volunteer Deborah Silvi. “We’ll use the funds to cover additional medical care when needed and to buy additional traps, crates, food, leashes, and toys for animals until they are adopted.” The Sugar Land, Texas-based rescue group has already taken in an additional 10 dogs and 20 cats.
Fort Bend County Animal Services: $3,000
“FBCAS participated in water recovery efforts, large-scale animal rescues and, while we were closed for a week, impounded displaced pets from the impacted areas,” says Adoption Coordinator Barbara Vass of the Rosenberg, Texas-based shelter. “Needs at our kennel include cleaning supplies, crates and medical needs for the pets coming in.”
