ASPCA Urges Pet Owners to Prepare for Hurricane Matthew

ASPCA rescue team at the ready in Southeast states as Cat. 4 storm approaches
October 5, 2016

Waycross, Ga.— At the request of various state agencies, the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) has activated its disaster response team in anticipation of animal rescue and sheltering needs throughout the Southeast during Hurricane Matthew. The team is currently helping to evacuate shelter animals at Glynn County Animal Control in Brunswick, Ga. Forecasters predict that Hurricane Matthew will be a Category 4 hurricane, and many states have already declared a state of emergency, including Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and many counties in Georgia.

The ASPCA is urging pet owners to take the following steps:

  • If you evacuate, take your pets with you. Never leave your pets behind.
  • Make sure all pets are wearing ID tags with your up-to-date contact information. The ASPCA also recommends micro-chipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification, should collars or tags become lost.
  • Create a portable pet emergency kit with items such as medical records, water, water bowls, pet food and your pet’s medications.
  • Choose a designated caregiver, such as a friend or relative outside of the evacuation zone, who can take care of your pet in the event you are unable.
  • Download the free ASPCA mobile app, which allows pet owners to store crucial pet records needed for boarding pets at evacuation shelters and provides a disaster preparedness check-list.

"It's important for families to remember their canine and feline members when preparing for or evacuating in any disaster," said Dr. Dick Green, senior director of Disaster Response for the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team. "The ASPCA stands ready to assist animals in Matthew’s path, but the first and best line of defense for pets will always be a well-prepared owner." 

The ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team frequently responds to natural disasters including the recent Louisiana flooding and the Northern California wildfire. In addition, they are called on by state and municipal governments and other animal welfare partners to lend expertise during large-scale animal rescue operations.

More disaster preparedness tips can be found at: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness.

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About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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