Oh Dog! I’m back with Emily Schneider, Senior Manager for Media and Communications with the ASPCA. Yesterday we talked about how the ASPCA gets involved in helping during a natural disaster. Today we’ll get more in-depth with what that involves. But first, here’s a video of an actual Staten Island rescue!
Rumpy: Emily, yesterday we talked about the weeks of planning that went into preparing for a natural disaster response like you launched for Hurricane Sandy. Let’s talk about what it takes to get people actually out there responding to help animals in need.
Emily: The ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team has an incredible team of staff and volunteers who are available to deploy at a moment’s notice. The team also had a extensive network of response partners—other animal welfare groups and agencies—who have sent their responders to assist us in large-scale disaster responses. There are too many groups to list them all here, but just to give an example, the ASPCA was able to help more than 1,300 animals displaced by the Joplin tornado last year with the assistance of 89 agencies from across the country who sent responders on the ground.
Rumpy: That’s a lot of animals helped! Now tell us what happens with the animals when you rescue them?
Emily: In disaster response operations, we focus our efforts in reuniting lost pets with their families, or offering temporary sheltering so pet owners can focus on getting back on their feet without having to stress about caring for their pets. It’s hard to provide a percentage as every response operation is different. For animals that are not reclaimed by their owners, the ASPCA helps to find placement for the animals.
Rumpy: And who pays for all of that?
Emily: More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and rely strictly on donations. The ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services.
Rumpy: It’s sure comforting to know that there are so many people out there that are dedicated to making sure us animals are taken care of. Why does the ASPCA do all this?
Emily: Founded in 1866, the ASPCA is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. Our mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.
Rumpy: Emily, I am simply amazed at all the hard work that goes into keeping us safe. Thank you so much for being my guest, and thanks to all the hard-working men and women of the ASPCA and their partners who help us in times of crisis.
Folks, the ASPCA has responded after other disasters as well. You can find more information about those responses here. For more information about how you can be prepared in the event of a natural disaster, check out this informative checklist. There is still much to be done to help animals affected by Hurricane Sandy. If you’d like to help, here’s some info on how you can.
All photos and video was shot by ASPCA staff and is used here by permission.
Dogpaddling Through Life 
Great post! Shared.
Thanks Sue!
Thanks for all this wonderful information, R. And thanks ASPCA! We love knowing that people like you are out there.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
It makes me feel so good to know they are there for us Cupcake!
More great information. We are fortunate to so far never have been in such a tragedy but you just never know and it is good that there are organizations that help us furry ones as most just think about the humans – I guess the humans are important too, though 🙂
I hope we never are Emma, but if it does happen, there is help for us!
Once, during one of the hurricanes, Florida Today newspaper allowed its employees to house their pets in the building. That was really a relief to us. It’s great to know that others also have a dependable option for their pets. Thanks, Rumpy, for the info.
It is comforting to know there will be a place for us to go that’s safe and we’re cared for!
Thank you to Emily and the staff and volunteers at the ASPCA for all that they do! Great interview Rumpy. Happy New Year to All and special blessings to all the animals who are on the streets and in shelters who need a furever home. May 2013 be kind to them all.
I certainly hope so!
When I started twitter, I often saw the name “ASPCA” that somepawdy mentioned about on timeline, but I wasn’t sure what it standed for and what their activity was. Your posts from yesterday and today made me realized how fanulous this group is! I know that in US, unfortunately you have terrible hurricanes several times a year and they gives big damages to both humans and animals. However I feel so glad to read and see these ASPCA people doing very hard works to save us animals from disasters!!!
This post encourages us animals and people, too! Thanks so much these info and pictures, Rumpy! 🙂
It stands for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Pretty cool, huh?
Another great post, thanks for sharing it!
Thanks Emily!
They are such heros and I am so glad they are they to help when the help is needed the most.
Me too Brian! It makes me feel good to know so many people are there to help us when we need them.l
Great interview!, They do so much good
urban hounds
They do indeed my friends!
Great Post!!
Thanks Angie!
Wow. I can’t imagine all the hours and coordinated efforts it takes to try to find these pets or reunite them with their owners. Great article. Thanks for sharing.
Isn’t it nice to know there are plenty of folks out there that can and will do that hard work?
I’ll never forget the sight of animals stranded in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina 7 years ago. It was heartbreaking. Fortunately, officials are now starting to realize animals are important and need to be rescued, too. Personally, if I had to evacuate my home, I wouldn’t leave my dog here and just hope he survives. Never leave your pets behind. You can replace furniture and clothes, but not your animals!
Sadly the people in New Orleans weren’t given a choice.. if they hadn’t evacuated early, they were forced to leave their pets behind. 😦
Hey Rumpy, Jet here.
Wonderful interview, thank you so much. We appreciate all their amazing good work, too. This time we chose to support another great big organization, however, we’ve donated to ASPCA in the past, too. Living in Hurricane land, Mom worries about the what if’s… and makes a plan each year. Does the ASPCA support chipping as a way to identify guardians with rescued fur family members?
I really don’t know Jet. I didn’t see anything on the checklist page about it.
thanks for checking. 🙂
Thanks, RumpyDog, we, too, have been blessed with local help during times of flood and illness. Very informative post.
Terrific interview buddy! The ASPCA does great work for all the animals in need and educating people too!
Such a great organization. So many wonderful people dedicated to making a difference. Great post, dear Rumpy!
xo, Katie & Glogirly
Great post! I love seeing people helping pets!
Wow, Rumpy amazing interview as always. So informative.
Again a great post, Rumpy!