Humane Society of Missouri Focuses Flood Relief Effort on Missouri Counties

Humane Society of Missouri Focuses Flood Relief Effort on Missouri Counties

Rescue Team Returns from Cedar Rapid, IA; There HSMO Team Assisted in Rescue of 300 Animals

WHAT: As flood levels rise along the Mississippi, the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO) is shifting its rescue efforts from Iowa to counties in northern Missouri where the threat of flood is imminent. The Humane Society of Missouri Rescues and Investigations was deployed on Wednesday, June 11, at the request of the Iowa Department of Agriculture to assist in water rescues. They were the first animal organization team at the scene and immediately began coordinating water rescues. As a result of their efforts, the Humane Society of Missouri was able to rescue 300 pets from the flood. Those pets will remain at the temporary shelter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“Our emergency response team has unique experience rescuing animals from swift water conditions,” says Tim Rickey, Director of Rescues and Investigations, Humane Society of Missouri. “Our crew was called on to perform rescues in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and just this past March we were rescuing pets from the flood disaster in Missouri.”

The Humane Society of Missouri is transitioning its responsibilities in Iowa to other animal welfare groups. . Two members from the HSMO Disaster Response team will remain in Iowa until tomorrow to help with the transfer.

Now the Humane Society of Missouri is refocusing flood relief efforts to concentrate on the northern Missouri counties of Lewis, Clark, Ralls, and Pike counties. Today a crew from the HSMO is on their way to Canton, Missouri, in Lewis County with supplies at the request of the sheriff. If it is determined there is a need for an emergency animal shelter in the area, the Humane Society of Missouri will provide assistance.

Important Pet Safety Reminder: If you evacuate, take your pets.

The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets if you evacuate is to take them with you. If it’s not safe for you to stay in the disaster area, it’s not safe for your pets.

If you leave, even if you think you may be gone only for a few hours, take your pets. Once you leave your home, you have no way of knowing how long you’ll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to go back for your pets. Try to make alternate shelter arrangements for 1-2 weeks.

Don’t Forget ID

Your pet should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. This includes adding your current cell phone number to your pet’s tag. It may also be a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area—if your pet is lost, you’ll want to provide a number on the tag that will be answered even if you’re out of your home.

Pet Emergency Kit

It is a good idea to prepare a pet emergency kit in case you and your pet need to be evacuated. Emergency kits should contain:

Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit.

Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can’t escape. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time while you are away from home. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth, and other special items.

Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated and to prove that they are yours.

Food and water for at least five days for each pet, bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food.

Information about your pets’ feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them, to reduce stress.

Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items and household bleach.

Additional Emergency Information

Persons needing emergency sheltering information for themselves or their pets should contact their local law enforcement or emergency management officials.