ASPCA Mobilizes Disaster Response Team to Assist Florida Animal Welfare Groups With Hurricane Idalia Relief Efforts

PERRY, Fla. – At the urgent request of several animal welfare and emergency management groups across the state of Florida, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) quickly mobilized its disaster response team to provide critical support for impacted animals following Hurricane Idalia. The ASPCA’s disaster response team has been on the ground in Jefferson, Taylor, Suwannee, Madison, Hamilton, and Leon County, assisting with pet food and supply distribution, donations of emergency relief equipment including generators, fans and fuel, emergency sheltering for displaced animals, and field response efforts such as feeding in place and animal search and rescue as needed. Escambia County Animal Shelter is also assisting the ASPCA with emergency relief efforts.

“In the aftermath of storms such as Hurricane Idalia, the ASPCA’s priority is to provide local agencies with the critical support and resources they need to safely care for animals affected by disasters,” said Clint Ganus, Manager of Disaster Response, ASPCA. “We commend the local animal welfare organizations we’re working alongside for identifying the vital need for support in their communities and are proud to collaborate with them to assist displaced animals and provide lifesaving supplies for impacted families to care for their pets.”

The ASPCA remains in close contact with Florida-based emergency management agencies and local animal welfare organizations and will continue to provide additional support as needed.

Each September, the ASPCA recognizes National Preparedness Month as a time to remind pet owners of the importance of taking precautionary efforts to incorporate animals into all emergency preparedness plans especially those involving a potential evacuation. According to national survey results the ASPCA released in 2021, less than half of pet owners have a disaster plan in place, yet 83 percent of current pet owners reported living in a community that faces natural disasters. In addition, the ASPCA deploys nationwide to assist in relocation, search-and-rescue, sheltering, and reunification efforts during disaster situations including hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and floods. They also work closely with local agencies across the country to help enhance their animal response capabilities through grants and training opportunities.

To learn more on incorporating pets into preparedness plans, visit aspca.org/disasterprep.