Helping Lost and Found Pets After Hurricane Sandy

 

"We have 3 dogs so it's an inconvenience but not a disaster," said Lower East Side resident Shawn Ryan. Much of lower Manhattan is without power due to Hurricane Sandy. (Photo by Angelo Merendino/Corbis)

The East Coast is slowly but surely recovering from the effects of Hurricane Sandy this week. But as we wait for power to come back, water to recede and communities to rebuild, we also have to wonder about the well-being of pets after a major storm like this. 

[Watch: Top 10 Amazing Animal Cops Rescues]

We reported on The Daily Treat that a Facebook group has been created to help reunite lost pets with their owners. "Hurricane Sandy Lost and Found Pets" has gained over 12,000 supporters since launching earlier this week. Users are encouraged to submit and share photos and information of missing pets or pets they have found and taken in for shelter. In addition to Facebook, many are turning to popular classifieds site Craigslist to share information about lost and found pets. A quick perusal of the #SandyPets hashtag on Twitter shows information for shelters housing pets and other hurricane-related pet inquiries.

Our friends at Petfinder have rounded up animal welfare organizations that need help in New York and New Jersey. We've listed them below, but for more hurricane-related pet information, please visit the Petfinder blog where shelter outreach coordinators are keeping everyone updated as information becomes available.

From Petfinder:

New York:

• Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C)’s Manhattan and Brooklyn Care Centers are now open for adoptions, return-to-owners, and in-takes on a limited basis.  They ask that anyone intending on surrendering a pet to call Pets for Life at (917) 468-2938.  Updates are available via their Facebook page

•  Animal Haven is on day five without power. They have posted a great video of their experience caring for their animals here on YouTube. You can follow their progress and find a link to donate via their Facebook page. They are also accepting donations outside the front gate at 251 Centre Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They need linens, towels, flashlights, lanterns, batteries for flashlights, paper towels, bleach and rubber gloves.

New Jersey:

• Atlantic County Animal Shelter reports that flooding came right up to the door but remained outside. Their animals are safe and well.

• Cape May Co. Animal Shelter (CMCAS)  Staff remained at the shelter throughout the storm. Luckily they were not flooded and did not lose power, however they need to find homes for cats, so consider adopting a hurricane kitty of your very own! They are also on Facebook

• The Humane Society of Atlantic County  was not as lucky and experienced serious flooding. They report that “much of the cleaning is done and we are rebuilding some of the counters that were destroyed. We have power, heat, water for washing (not drinking though) and lots of friends. At this point [we] estimate the HSAC had about $100,000 loss in supplies, equipment, and business. We hope to re-open Monday. Financial support and Lowe’s/Home Depot cards are still needed.” You can find this update and more on their Facebook page. Monetary donations can be accepted via their web page

• The Humane Society of Ocean City  suffered minor damage from Hurricane Sandy. The structure is sound and they plan to open today, November 2nd at 11 a.m. All of the animals are safe. They are asking for donations of laundry soap, bleach, canned cat foot, 33 gallon trash bags, and towels, as these were the most used items during the storm. They would appreciate monetary donations as well. Updates are available via Facebook.

• Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter  does not yet have power or heat. You can donate via their web page  and receive updates by way of their Facebook page.

Have any more information we might have missed or you feel people need to know? Let us know in the comments!

Need some happy? Watch this clip of a New Orleans family adopting a dog that was left behind in the wake of Hurricane Katrina from the second season of Pit Bulls and Parolees:

See more Season 2 Highlights

Comments

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[Pet Video Verify]

Check for lost and found pets at www.petvideoverify.com

[Michael Gurwitz]

Dear Animal Planet,

I know a woman who lives in Long Beach, NY, and who runs a cat shelter/adoption agency out of her home. She was caring for 50 cats and is now in dire need of help.

Her home was decimated by Sandy and she has no power. This woman has a disability and can barely walk, and she lives alone. The flood waters destroyed her cat food and litter. The cats include newborns and nursing mothers. She is in desperate need of help, especially with the new storm coming. Please email me if you can help.

Thank you.

[brianna]

im davastated at whats happened to all these pets after hurricane sandy and I thank you all of you that are helping the pets in need

[Jen - GimmeShelters.org]

GimmeShelters@hotmail.com

[Jen - GimmeShelters.org]

If anyone can open their home to a pet from a damaged shelter facility or from a family that lost their home temporarily, please contact us at our email address. Include your Town, Cell Number and whether you can take a dog or a cat on a temporary basis. We will put you in touch with a person in need.

If anyone needs a temporary home for their pet from the damage of Sandy, please contact us with your cell, location and pet. We will put you directly in touch with someone who is willing to house your pet temporarily until you get on your feet.

Please check the website for updates of facilities that need certain supplies. Remember, they are not only dealing with facility damage only but with intake of Lost and Found and care of their own residents.

Thanks NEW JERSEY STRONG! SHELTER STRONG!

[Susan Crossan]

If anyone needs a place for a pet I have a fenced in yard and room....I live in Cape May NJ

[Steve Milbrath]

Please let me know how I can help