The crisis in Texas, and the urgent call to help animals and people
The images of despair and rescue on social media and on television remind us how our lives are bound up with animals. People are leaving behind their material possessions but carrying their dogs on their shoulders, in their arms, or in crates or carriers. Above, Felipe Grande removes his two dogs from his apartment at Bayou Parc in Houston. Marie D. De Jesus/Associated Press
What’s happening in Texas is a singular, destructive, and perilous moment for the state’s human residents. That’s true for the animals, too. The HSUS is there, on the ground, committed to helping all the victims, especially the animals, because that is our special charge.
By mid-day Sunday, the combination of Hurricane Harvey and the tropical storm it morphed into had dumped nine trillion gallons of water on Houston and other parts of Southeast Texas. Forecasters have captured our attention with multi-colored satellite images showing bands of rain still pelting the region, with predictions of 50 inches of precipitation falling in certain areas. This is too much for any region, and especially for a flood-prone region like southeast Texas, and for Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city.
This volume of water has nowhere to go but up, and it’s flooding homes and trapping people and their pets. It’s putting confused and nervous animals in life-threatening situations. Cattle and horses in pastures are at risk, and ranchers and others are trying to drive them to higher ground. The effects on wildlife are almost impossible to measure.
The images of despair and rescue on social media and on television remind us how our lives are bound up with animals. People are leaving behind their material possessions but carrying their dogs on their shoulders, in their arms, or in crates or carriers. Unlike during Katrina, first responders understand the power of the human-animal bond, and know that saving the animals is part of their responsibility now, too. Many Good Samaritans are reminding people that they are especially on the lookout for animals as they go house to house in small boats, looking for individuals in crisis.
The HSUS Animal Rescue Team arrived today in Texas City, which has been affected by torrential rain. They are working with local agencies and law enforcement to assess the greatest need there. Photo by The HSUS
After Hurricane Katrina, The HSUS upgraded its disaster response capability, noting that enormous weather events require an organization with the ability to meet the challenge. The effects of this long-running weather event stretch over 50 counties, and no single organization can handle anything on this scale. That’s why we are partnering with local and national groups to respond, and we are doing the same with local and state government authorities to make sure that the animals are not cast aside in this crisis.
We are working to transport 200 animals from San Antonio, to create more space for animals coming from the battered and deluged areas. We are also working with the Houston Humane Society and other local groups to relieve the pressure on overcrowded shelters. We’ll be bringing animals, with partners like Wings of Rescue and GreaterGood.org, to states as far off as Washington and New Jersey. And we’ll rely on our friends nearby, especially in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Mind you, we worked well in advance of the storm making landfall to evacuate animals from the impact area, and we worked with our friends at the SPCA of Texas in Dallas to handle large shipments of animals to keep them out of harm’s way.
The town of Texas City, which is between Galveston and Houston, has also been affected by the torrential rain, and our team is there now. We’ll be doing whatever is necessary, whether it’s supporting established emergency shelters or going door to door to conduct rescues. We’ll be working with other communities as need be, with similar agreements.
Remember, we are not even 72 hours into this storm. At this stage during Katrina, we had no idea that the animal rescue would stretch on for seven weeks — a race against time in an evacuated city, also flooded to a remarkable degree. Who knows what this crisis will bring, and how long it will endure? But we’ll do our best to meet whatever it throws at people and animals. We are deploying so many of our assets to respond, in order to help the people and the animals of Texas. We’re committing to see this crisis through, no matter how long the road to recovery, and we hope you’ll be there for us every step of the way.
I have a 17 1/2 ft v bottom G3 fish-n-ski boat and live in Eastern PA. (Also have 2 kayaks, SUP board, and tube). Would it be helpful to tow my boat down to TX?
Hi Jillian, I am the blog editor. Thanks for your message. Beyond those trained responders who were contacted, it is imperative that no one go to the area on their own or self-deploy. The HSUS won’t be able to use those volunteers and there are a lot of volunteers in state with training that are on standby to help when called. If people who self deploy come, and get stranded, emergency response attention must then add them to the long list of rescue, and divert attention away from the existing priority rescue work. It’s simply too dangerous.
Lucy Noland @LucyNolandFOX29
#EMERGENCY 30 dogs & cats remain trapped at 413 Speights Loop Road
Hankamer, TX 77560. $3,000 reward to save them ASAP @FOX29philly PLZ RT!
Pix of these poor, cged animals are on her twitter and on rsbn.com
CAN U HELP THEM?
Rescued? If no post on twitter or Facebook. Nobody is going to see it here. I live too far away. Sorry
Were these animals helped? I’m a DVM willing to help out.
I live in CO and I know there is a group in Houston from Longmont CO helping rescue animals. I can foster a dog or dogs temporarily if needed. I have one very mellow female golden. Cannot take cats.
Have they been rescued?? I have a friend that drove to Texas to help.
Were they rescued??? I’ll pay for rescue dame it !!!! Go get them now!!!!
Yes, they have been rescued.
They were all rescued along with a pig.
I’m sorry it was pigs. One dog went to vet because of the dogs fighting. But they are all out.
I’m trying to reach out to someone in Houston area to see if there is a way that myself can come down from Kansas to help volunteer with the animals for a few days. Is there somebody I can in contact at SPCA or Humane Society. If anybody has any ideas could they please let me know thank you
Yes get here quicknot true volunteer s with no training are making major impact on rescues trained personae are way overworked
How do we go about finding you when we get there?
Hi, we are in Florida, collecting cages and supplies for all of you…we can get the truckers. Is there an address where to bring these to (out of the area that you are accessing?
Hi Marsha, The best thing for out of state folks to do at this point is donate money and supplies to impacted shelters and those that are taking in animals. Please check with those organizations before sending supplies to make sure what you want to send is actually needed and helpful; several impacted shelters have lists of their top needs on their websites. Below are some of the impacted shelters in the area that have posted online wishlists:
The SPCA of Texas Wishlist
Austin Humane Society Wishlist
SPCA of Brazoria County Wishlist
Houston Humane Society Wishlist
San Antonio Humane Society Wishlist
I SENT MONET TO THE SPCA IN HOUSTON…..THIS WILL BE FOR HARVEY AS WELL I HOPE!
I would like to know how I can help with displaced cats/kittens. I have cats so to try to bring in a dog which I would love to it would be too much on my kitties who are both indoor cats” how can I help. I wouldn’t mind going to texas to help. Please guide me
Dawn, please read this for ways to help. http://www.humanesociety.org/news/resources/facts/harvey_help.html
What is the best organization helping rescue animals?
The Houston SPCA is excellent and puts a lot of its funding toward helping animals who are abused, neglected, or in trouble.
Also, if you just want to donate dog and cat stuff, Chewy.com since huge donations of food and other supplies to every place there is a need. You can donate and buy something on their website and they will send it to The area of need.
Is anyone montoring this site and giving help to those needing animal rescue
The HSUS Animal Rescue Team is deployed in Texas, where we are working with local officials to transport, rescue and care for animals. We have enlisted the help of our Emergency Placement Partners to assist with the evacuations of some affected animals. We are posting updates about our response efforts regularly on The HSUS Texas State Facebook page and you can also keep up with Wayne’s blog here to learn about our latest rescue efforts. If anyone knows of a pet that needs rescue, please call 2-1-1.
we have a small animal sanctuary west of Kerrville. We can take in some chinchillas, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens or ducks, either temporarily, or permanently.
I am also in touch with a couple of other rescues that could probably take in rabbits, guinea pigs.
Our sanctuary email is moonrabbit2@hotmail.com
What can we do if we are able bodied and available? Ashley
Check out Remote Area Medical (RAM) they need volunteers with boats!!!
http://ramusa.org/disaster-relief/
There is a number you can call to get more information
Hi Jillian!
I am from Texoma (north texas) and they’ve urged anyone with a boat to come help. If that’s something in your capacity and you’re able to come down, please do! EMS isn’t able to reach anyone right away and they need all the help that they can get!!!
Do you know if it’s helpful to fly into anywhere in Texas to help? Would love to do whatever I can.
This is Albert from los Angeles were going to go help but get to the safe area and tell them men power to help
yes would you? animals and ppl need help! even one life is worth going!! If I were young I would be there! I love animals! 💞
Swing by and pick me up in NC! Lol
20 year vet tech! Rabies vaccinated!
Hi wanted to post that I have a 4 horse trailer with living quarters . Im in Nashville Tn I can leave tonight but I dont know where to post can u give me some ideas ellengamey@gmail.com .
Ps. I am also a first responder I worked Katrina under fema
Hi Ellen,
If you hear from anyone for fostering some horses, i live in Indiana and have a small horse farm. Could house up to 7. Was researching to figure out how to provide some temporary help to those in need and saw your post
If it were my pets sorry I’d go get them!!!!
yes and I’ll go with you to help .just ccontact me (856-) 729 -6535. Ted Roberts.
If you go please tell me when and I would love to pitch in with gas money. I am in NYC and want to help actively and get down there.
This is a PM I received from someone who needs immediate help to try to rescue/save their 12 y.o. German Shepherd left behind:
———–
Lisa Carr to Hurricane Harvey Animal Rescue Needs & Offers to Help – Texas 8/2017
20 hrs ago·
PLEASE I live off Aldine-Mail Rt. I had to leave my 12 year old German Shepherd due to high water in our subdivision.My heart is breaking. She has been a good and faithful companion snd doesn’t deserve this. Please, I’m begging. Is there anyone who can offer assistance in getting her? I’ll reimburse any fees
UPDATE:
We attempted to go back to my home. The water was too high and extremely cold. We were unable to make it into the subdivision. At this time, as far as I know she is still in the house. I continue to pray and contact anyone who I think can assist in her rescue. This page has invaluable, my post has been reshared by many, I am thankful from the bottom of my heart for you efforts. PLEASE keep praying
My Contact Information (DO NOT CALL IF YOU CAN’T BE HELPFUL. KEYBOARD COURAGE TAKES AWAY TIME FROM RESCUING KASPER)
Lisa Carr
12310 Kidlington CT
Houston 77039
(713)443-4176
Any idea if this poor pup got rescued??
The pup has been found <3 I just called her =)
Kasper has been rescued?!
Does anyone have updates on the 12yr. Old GSD. Was Kasper saved???
Great news, I just got a text and Lisa Carr’s dog Kasper has been rescued!
Oh that is such wonderful news!
Hello, can anyone verify if poor 12yr. old GSD that was left behind was rescued?? I have a GSD, extremely loyal, smart dogs, I hope Kasper is saved & safe. Updates/ pictures please!!?
I have been searching and I can’t find anything that’s says her pup was saved.
Pup was daved
The 12 yr. old GSD was rescued & reunited with her owner. Thank you for the updates. Well wishes and prayers to those residents in Texas.
OMG, you rescue you ass but left defensless dog behind,how cruel should carry him on your shoulders and with more rain coming I hope poor dog survives.
She was rescued!
Dont be so unkind.
Oh no! no boat can get her? 😨
You should not have left her behind in the first place. Would you ever leave a family member behind? So sad. I hope she finds a good home.
I see Casper was saved. So pleased for you. There is no way you could have carried a German Shepherd. So dont listen to people who say unkind things. All worked out well. Enjoy each other and stay safe. Praise God.
I just sent $100.00 to help with the rescue efforts in Texas. I have noticed people are carrying their animals with them. I know the H.S.U.S. Wll provide help where needed, and for as long as they are needed❤️❤️Thank you for all that you do for those who can’t speak for themselves.
Who exactly did you send it to? I wish to do the same but am afraid my $ will not be used as intended. Can u provide a “specific” address and/or person. Thanks.
Jeff in Illinois
I have shelter and veterinary hospital experience. I volunteered with HSUS after Hurricane Katrina. I worked at a temporary animal shelter set up in Hattiesburg, MS. I’m assuming temporary shelters will be needed and set up for pets affected by Hurricane Harvey. I would like to offer my help in Texas. Who should I contact about volunteering? I know there are many other experienced people who volunteered with me in Hattiesburg that would also like to help in Texas. Hoping someone with HSUS can direct us to the person or persons coordinating the emergency response for animal in Texas. Thank you.
I am a CART (County Animal Response Team) volunteer in Harrisburg, PA. Please contact me or our PA state team if you need our help. Jill
Yes please they need your help!
Shivali I’m in NC, don’t have no boat but I have a bunch ah know how about Cattle and Horses and I can help with dogs. Please let me know if I can help in any way
Edwards.cowboy7@gmail.com
And that goes for anyone
True Story
I’m close to Harrisburg, pa as well and want to volunteer to go and help with animal rescue. Or after care for homeless animals. Can someone direct me to who has this information please.
tall tails rescue and transport they are on fb ok? austin pets alive i know is taking in 200 from hurricane affect areas. Thank you melissa
Yes finally, I too did animal search and rescue with HSUS POST katrina. I continued to voluntary animal rescue with the HSUS Animal Rescue Team. Ooooh Wayne I sooo want deploy to Texas with HSUS TO HELP.
Hi Melissa, Here are some ideas on how you can help: http://www.humanesociety.org/news/resources/facts/harvey_help.html
The email signup for subscribing to this blog is NOT working. It’s not accepting valid email addresses.
Thanks, we’ll look into it. Meanwhile can you send me your email address via our blog contact form and I’ll add you to the list. Thanks. https://blog.humanesociety.org/contact?credit=blog_post_082817_idhome-page
Are You With HSUS Animal Rescue Team.
I am the blog editor.
If we live 45 min away from Houston is there any way someone could meet us half way and we could foster some cats? Let me know!
👏
Hi i am an EMT in Ny, can I come down and help?
New York HSUS volunteer and vet assistant ready and willing to get there and help for however long I am needed. Just say the word.
Sent some money to you from our home here in Toronto, Canada in hopes it will help you save as many animals in need during this extraordinary time! Good Luck, God Bless!
Has someone helped Deedee D. that posted on Aug. 28th at 4:20 p.m for help in rescuing her 12 yr. old Shepard that was left behind. She attempted to go back but couldn’t because the water was too deep. Can anyone confirm that this dog was rescued or not yet? Can Deedee D. let those of us who are concerned, know if Kasper was retrieved or not? I’m praying that she did get help. How sad. I would take my boat there if I lived in Texas, but I’m up in Michigan. Got to believe that someone could help her out.
A few posts up the GS 12yr old was rescued reunited with owner. Hankamer animals were all rescued as well.
Can we get an update re: Deedee D’s post and the German Shepherd left in a subdivision please? Lisa Carr’s dog.
Here is something I found about fostering:
Additionally, the SPCA of Texas is putting out a call for foster homes to help us care for the animals already in our shelters and those coming from the Gulf Coast. It is easy to sign up at http://www.spca.org/foster. We will continue to need fosters for the pets in our care as we bring in more animals.
If I want to start a fundraiser what organization name is this under and the address to send the proceeds? Thank you!
I am a 501 c3 licenced rescue and shelter with a full foster program in Dubuque Iowa, please someone message me at 563-451-5399 we want to help or Whispurringhoperescue@gmail.com
Whispurringhoperescue.weebly.com
Have you been able to rescue any parrots or caged animals? I have parrots and can’t imagine having to leave them behind!! Thank you for all your doing. I would help but live in Washington State. I am praying for you all and especially all the animals!!
I hv 2 bd tms open of i can assit a family with need i am willing to help out
My heart goes to all the family in disaster. God Bless all. Im not reach but i hv 2 bd rms availble in my home.
Yes finally, I too did animal search and rescue with HSUS POST katrina. I continued to voluntary animal rescue with the HSUS Animal Rescue Team for 8 years. Ooooh Wayne I sooo want deploy to Texas with HSUS TO HELP.
How do people that need help contact you? Please contact the Dallas Dogs RRR they got most dog out but have nothing for them and some are still at there shelter.
https://m.facebook.com/DallasDogRRR/
Please help them. I don’t know them personally just saw their post on Facebook.
I have around 100 leashes and collars of all sizes from my store…..who can I donate these to for them to get down to Texas?
Where is your shop? I’m planning on heading down there to help transport. Leashes were on my list of supplies I still need!
How can I help transport or foster dogs?
I would like to help no boat but im sure i can get to a shelter in my area and help with the animals.let me know of shelters in the 77014 area that are needing assistance.
I live in Charleston, SC. I know what it is like to live through a hurricane. So many of us here want to help the displaced animals, to foster them until they can find their owners or to just take them in. How can we help??? We will travel down to Texas to take in the animals, whatever needs to be done. Please let us know. Our hearts are broken for you and you are in our thoughts and prayers, Houston area.
Claudia,
I live in Mt Pleasant, and I would also like to help.
Would you please let me know if you know of any teams from Charleston going down?
Thanks,
Rachel d Siegfried
(843) 343-2143
Yo HSUS, let’s keep those animals local, you know what I mean. Give the pet guardians of the animals you’re taking out of Texas a better shot at being reunited. There’s plenty of Room in the big ol’ state of Texas to shelter animals, use your money, build those emergency shelters and keep them local. We want to see a high percentage of animal returned to owner or owner identified before you start stealing them and shipping them all over the d*** country like you typically do.
Any victims come to new Hampshire?
Anne, Pensacola, Florida
I would be able to assist a family with pets who are in need of long term shelter, nothing luxurious, also have aviary runs available.
My heart goes out to EVERYONE, i can’t even imagine ,liveing that life ever. Watching everyone struggling just to survive I I’M DONATING MONEY. HOPEFULLY IT CAN FEED YOU AND SOME CHILDREN I’VE HAVE KIDS I PRAY PEOPLE WOULD REACH OUT TO THEM IN NEED MY PRAYERS ARE WITH EVERYONE. EVERYONE READING THIS PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN ANYTHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING PLEASE ALL BE SAFE
20 year vet tech, stay home mom who would love to go help! Anyone get me there and I’ll help any way I can!
Where are you
I need to help where can i send money or pet food or supplies to help these animals???????
I cannot be there to help as I live in upstate New York
I can foster 2 dogs at my home in upstate New York. I can also send supplies or a financial donation directly if someone would tell me where to send to help these animals immediately. Please let me know.!!!!!! ASAP….let’s work together to get these animals safe.
Thank you
My wife and I have room for one female donkey at our farm in NJ if there is one that needs rescue and can get transportation to NJ (I do not have a trailer or would pick up). Reach out if we can help.
contact the dallas link in the post at the top section of this page
Humane Society of Aransas County, Texas (House of Hope)
Building survived in good condition.
Well water tainted with salt from Storm Surge.
Water donations welcome!
I live in Austin, have a truck and I can make time to help in Houston or can drive down supplies….
After Katrina my buddy and I jumped in the truck and drove from Wilmington,Nc to New Orleans without a clue but we were able to go in the city to feed animals for a couple days until we got evacuated because of the following hurricane. I really would like to do hands on help but I don’t know where to start. Anybody?
Me and my wife are willing to open our home up in south Carolina,of a family is in need of a place to stay,for awhile.my email is crazymike73@gmail.com
I’m in Idaho and have room to foster animals if anyone knows how I can get some sent up to me here I can give a great home in boise Idaho if anyone knows please get in contact with me. My heart is hurting for these animals down there and my intuition has been calling me to reach out to try to help. Please let me know
Hi there, has anyone thought of the animals and sending food for them?
Also, is there a site that you can go to to see the animals
What about the wildlife!!!!!
Already donated to the SPCA texas chapter but I also want to donate to help wildlife. Does anybody know what the Texas or Huston chapter website is? Thanks
I am a trained and working animal (cat/dog) rescue and rehabilitation volunteer from a rescue center in New York where we do full rehabilitation. I want to travel to TX to work with a TX based rescue organization as a volunteer rescuing from disaster areas and/or doing rehabilitating either in the shelters or to reunite with owners in the months ahead. I know a shelter I can assist down there. Looking for others in this area who plan to deploy just so I can get down there. Please advise.
I will continue to monitor this site to see if HSUS or anyone else is setting up to foster parrots of all sizes: I head up a group that can send needed supplies for them. (Blog editor, feel free to contact me.)
I Can drive to Houston. Saw a large warehouse with hundreds of cages on the news. It’s heartbreaking. It appeared there were not enough volunteers. I can clean up poop wipe up pee. Clean cages feed dogs take directions. Comfort the dogs. Help drive pets to or anything to lighten the load. I’m a 63 year old disabled veteran (PTSD). But am able bodied. Let me help the animals
I have 10 acres in NEPA. I can help with dogs, cats, horse,Chickens, etc…. Please contact me if I can help foster until they can be reunited with their families!!!!
I am prior military and civilian law enforcement, I have worked with military dogs, both GSD and Belgium, please let me know what I can do to help or foster any dogs that come your way….
My first impulse was to adopt but after reading posts I sent money. sounds important to keep the pets in Texas foster homes.
I have just donated $60 to the disaster in Texas but I have since found out that ALL my money does not to that actual disaster. It goes to HSUS OVERALL. How can I make sure it goes to the local HSUS where the disaster is actually occurring? I cannot seem to find an e-mail address for either HSUS or Wayne Percelle.
Hi Avis, I am the blog editor. Your donation will go to help us help animals in Harvey and other disasters in the future. Our team has been on the ground since last week, moving animals out of harm’s way before the Hurricane hit, and we are now helping with rescue and evacuation efforts. You can keep up with the work our Animal Rescue Team and the Texas state director have been doing on Wayne’s blog here. You can also donate local, which is great, but please know that donating nationally also will help these animals and many more.
I live in AZ. south, about 30 miles from the Mexican border. I have a rescue dog and would be happy to keep a dog that has been rescued from the flood. The owner could rest assured knowing that their beloved pet was well cared for. My yard is fenced and we walk our dog twice a day. I know there are people coming up to AZ. So please let me know if I can meet someone that can bring a dog.
I’m in Arizona have one stall if needed for animal in need. Experienced horse person free to come and help if needed. Now or in future
iwant to come help I’m in phx anybody going down there from here I could use the lift don’t have much money but can physically help I’m going to donate a little bit of money as well I love all animals and would do any thing for them please let me know if anybodys headed up there god bless all
Hi my name is Carol and I live in Indiana I have transportation,a lot of time and a van full of needed supplies including myself for whatever I can be useful towards what I don’t have is alot of money to donate as I am not working at this time so I would like to donate my time and energy also someone who would like to go with me to volunteer
I have 30 years Medical experience includes Emergency room triage tech (I am NOT a RN) Registration, Insurance verifications, Hospice Caregiver, Alzheimer’s /Dementia hands on care. 7 years as Clinic Coordinator with Homless Population in Las Vegas,NV. CPR/FIRST AID certified, Med Tech, I would love to physically help in any way, shape or form. Even if not medical related. Please if someone would kindly direct me to if/where/how/when.
Thank you and my thoughts, prayers to each and every person, volunteer, animal help. This is why we are one he’ll of a great country!
Worked for local SPCA for years, vet assisitant, and some wildlife rehab experience. Willing to come volunteer if someone will have me.
Sorry I’m so late to this discussion. I live in Nashville, TN & am willing/wanting to help in ANY way possible. Please call/text or email me. I rescue cats & have a badly injured cat that’s going to forever home Sunday so I can be ready to roll out Mon. 9/26.
Susanne 512-296-6311 susannebanks21@gmail.com
MY dog has a tumor that so badly needs to be removed. He is in constant pain, i have called the Humane Society 4 times and they say they will call me back after i tell them my problem and never do. I called, Emancipet, Bark, Spca, Bansfield, Bingle road vet, Snap, Boyou city vets, Friends for life, Pet Care Express, Thrive, Oak forest Gulf Coast, Gulf bank, and many others, all i have asked them is if they would allow me to make a down payment and then pay the rest off because i cannot get Care credit due to identity theft. They all have refused to help in any way. The Lowest estimate i have received is 1200.00 all the way up to Gulf coast at 4000 . They want it all up front and i just cannot afford it after loosing everything in the flood. Does anyone know of someone that would let me pay off a surgery or someone that could help me pay for it? My dogs name is Roscoe he is a ten year old rotty and lab mix. He is the nicest dog you will ever meet and he does not deserve the pain i am leaving him in.