ASPCA Sets Up Databases For Lost Pets And Volunteer Opportunities

ASPCA Sets Up Databases to Help Owners of Lost Pets

ASPCA via BBSNews 2005-09-03 - New York, NY -- The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) announced today that it has set up two databases to help in the aid and recovery of animals affected by Hurricane Katrina.

This lucky pet was evacuated from New Orleans to the Astrodome with its owner. Many other pets did not fare as well. They were not allowed to board the buses to be rescued along with their owners. Image Credit: FEMA photo/Andrea Booher

To help aid the people affected by Hurricane Katrina, the ASPCA has set up two databases, the first to help families find their lost pets. In order to register your pet, please send your contact information and a description of the pet including name and breed to disaster@aspca.org or register via telephone at (212)876-7700, ext 4700. Pictures of lost pets are unable to be accepted at this time.

The second database is for people who would like to volunteer with the animal relief efforts. Please register via email at disaster@aspca.org or via telephone at (212) 876-7700, ext 4700. Leave your contact information and special skills you possess to help with animal relief.

Over the past week, the ASPCA has received nearly $800,000 in donations for help to aid the animals affected by Hurricane Katrina with its board of directors allocating an additional $250,000. All monies raised will go directly to the relief efforts.

The ASPCA estimates it will take millions to effectively re-build the local shelters and provide the necessary animal assistance to the local companion animals including basic necessities.

To donate to the ASPCA Disaster Relief Fund, please go to www.aspca.org or call 866-275-3923 or mail your contribution to us at ASPCA Disaster Relief Fund 424 East 92nd New York 10128.

"As the process of providing aid and rebuilding the communities affected by Hurricane Katrina begins, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of support and funds we have received to assist the shelters and displaced animals in these areas,” said Ed Sayres, president and CEO of the ASPCA.

The ASPCA distributes funds from its Disaster Relief Fund to shelters and organizations across the country that are impacted by natural disasters. Its efforts help organizations through the recovery process by providing direct support to help rebuild facilities and relocate animals.

Founded in 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was the first humane organization established in the Western Hemisphere and today has one million supporters. The ASPCA's mission is to provide an effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides national leadership in humane education, government affairs and public policy, shelter support, and animal poison control. The NYC headquarters houses a full-service animal hospital, animal behavior center, and adoption facility. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York's animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series Animal Precinct on Animal Planet. Visit www.aspca.org for more information.