Doing it right: animal rescue in flooded north dakota

I still have nightmares about Katrina — if I were told by rescuers that they wouldn’t take my cats, I would choose my cats over rescue.

Today, I was happy to see that the animal victims of the flooding in North Dakota are faring much better than Katrina pets did. Minnesota Catsters Winnie and Chester (pictured, right), sent me a link to a video of a rescue operation set up where families can drop off their beloved pets for safekeeping while they deal with the havoc wreaked by the floodwaters. (Even though it’s feel-good video, grab a hanky. I started blubbering like a baby when I saw the basset hound pair that was dropped off.) Click here to watch the video.

If you’re in area and are affected by the flood or would like to help, the Fargo-Moorhead Humane Society has set up an animal emergency shelter at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds. The phone number to the emergency animal shelter is 701-281-1574.

They ask that if your animal(s) will be in need of shelter at the emergency animal shelter, please prepare an emergency kit prior to bringing your animals to the shelter.

The kit should include:

• medications
• current vaccination/medical records
• food at least three day supply, in an airtight container
• current photos and description of your pets
• pet carrier
• sturdy leashes
• familiar items, i.e., blankets, toys, pet beds
• Also, make sure your pet has identification tags.

If you would like to donate to help the animals that are being housed at the emergency shelter, the following items are needed:

• Cat and dog food- kitten and puppy food (any brand)
• Cat litter (non-scoopable)
• Litter scoops
• Bleach
• Toys
• Bedding (old towels/blankets)
• Newspapers
• Garbage bags/poop bags
• Treats
• Bottled water
• Food/treats for the volunteers

Volunteers are needed at the shelter, however, call before arriving to make sure help is still needed at that time. The number to the emergency animal shelter is 701-281-1574.

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Are you prepared in the event of an emergency? If you had to evacuate tomorrow, are your pets chipped and tagged? Do you have a sufficient number of carriers to accomodate all your pets? Click here to read our emergency preparedness tips.