We take it for granted these days that when disaster strikes, there will be trained animal rescue volunteers on the ground helping to rescue and care for the displaced animals. But what does it take to launch such a major effort?
Today I’m talking with Emily Schneider, Senior Manager for Media and Communications with the ASPCA. She’s here to shed some light on what such an undertaking involves.
Rumpy: Thanks so much for being my guest Emily. Let’s start at the beginning. How does the ASPCA become involved with a response effort?
Emily: The ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team assists animal victims of both natural and man-made disasters throughout the country. The team is made up of investigators, veterinary and animal handling experts. The team has been called in to assist in the event of natural disasters, but is more commonly called upon by state and municipal governments and other animal welfare partners to lend expertise during large-scale animal rescues.
Rumpy: Wow! And how do you get involved in these rescue efforts?
Emily: The ASPCA is typically contacted by the local agency for assistance and we then deploy responders to assist with animal rescue and relief efforts.
Rumpy: So you don’t just decide to go in without being called. How long after you get the call do you expect to be involved in a rescue effort?
Emily: We really don’t have an average; the length of each response operation varies as it is determined by the community and its needs. For example, we were in Joplin, Mo., for 45 days following the EF-5 tornado that decimated a third of the community.
Rumpy: I remember! What services did you provide there?
Emily: We assisted with field rescue, reunion efforts, emergency sheltering for lost pets, and eventually finding new homes for orphaned animals that were not reclaimed by their owners.
Rumpy: That sure is a lot of work!
Emily: We have currently been on the ground for more than six weeks planning ahead of Hurricane Sandy, and now focusing on the emergency boarding facility that we established a week ago to assist pet owners and temporarily shelter their pets until they can get back on their feet.
Rumpy: I can only imagine how much planning has to go into such efforts!
Tomorrow, Emily and I will talk about what it takes to make these rescue efforts happen!
NOTE: All photos posted today were taken by staff of the ASPCA and were used with permission.
Dogpaddling Through Life 
Superb effort, wonderful work. Thanks for the interview.
Very interesting – can’t wait to see more tomorrow.
Thank God those people are there. When they’re needed they’re really NEEDED!! Nice interview, Rumpy! Can’t wait till tomorrow.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Thanks for your hard work Emily and thank you Rumpy for letting us know people like Emily.
looking forward to tomorrow’s post.
Excellent work. Great interview xx
Thank you!
Holy milkbones I am impressed! Great interview for one but that you are getting such great subjects to interview. I do interviews as well but just with family and friends. I may need to branch out a bit more. Have a pawsome day!
Rumpy,
Thank you for helping us to understand what is involved in animal rescue in times of disaster. The ASPCA is an amazing organization!
Cathy
They are indeed!
I’m very touched to know about those humans who help animals with lots of works! Wow! Can’t wait to read tomorrow’s story! *excited face* 🙂
And to think that there was no such effort available just ten years ago!
The ASPCA is awesome! I loved watching their rescue videos from Hurricane Sandy. Great job!!!
Yes. I have one posted for tomorrow that’s amazing!
Great interview, I can’t wait to read more tomorrow!
Yay! Thank you!
I admire those who do this needed work & am grateful for their efforts
Me too!
Great interview and great work by the ASPCA. I think that people really have no idea what goes into saving their furry friends and you are doing a great service getting the word out. Thanks
It’s amazing what they can do in a short amount of time!
Thank you for sharing this story Rumpy … its a great interview
Thanks kitties! Woo woo woo!
Those people are just fantastic. We hope you had a wonderful Chriztmaz 🙂 We’z just got back from a little blogging break xx00xxx
Mollie and Alfie
They have helped many people!
I know the ASPCA does good work and i tried to volunteer to be a part of it. I took the two classes they require and then went to the ASPCA to walk around and walk a dog.
We are supposed to start with a Level I dog. The team captain did not. She had us walk a Level II. There is a big difference. In fact it was the largest dog I ever walked. She gave me a collar I had never seen before and got annoyed when I had trouble and didn’t put it on quickly. After the walk she told me I didn’t know how to walk a dog. Duh! I guess BJ must walk himself (If only when it snows).
Anyway, she said I needed to be taught and I should make arrangements with another team captain. No one returned my calls or my e-mails. So be it for the ASPCA. My money and volunteering with be elsewhere.
I’m glad you are a big enough person to recognize that one negative experience does not negate the vast amount of good this agencies does.
Very interesting interview Rumpy, thank you!
How fantastic, I will pop back in tomorrow to read more, I had no idea these people were pout there and the work must be mammoth.. c
out.. I meant out there.. sorry.. and really, what fantastic work these people do.. c
Rumpy! Wow! What a great interview! Thanks for talking to the peoples who makes things happen!
Kisses
Nellie
Thanks for the info, Rumpy. It’s a good interview.
Happy New Year, dear friend.
What a great cause! Bless those animals and the volunteers!
Thanks for the interview Rumpy, I worry so much about this when these disasters happen.
Hey Rumpy, Jet here. Hi Miss Jen.
Wonderful, wonderful interview… we forget how long these wonderful humans stay after the disaster… Sending Jetty kisses and JJ hugs of appreciation.
Frightening to think what happened before Katrina when everyone mobilized for pets.
We saw these people /group assist during hurricanes and wildfires. They are outstanding. Much applause for the interview!