The aftermath of two major hurricanes has left its mark on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and areas of western North Carolina. Along with human needs, animal shelters in these regions are experiencing an influx of lost or surrendered pets due to the storms. With this increased need for pet food, supplies and cash donations to care for shelter and non-shelter pets in these regions, Petland and its nonprofit 501c3, Petland Charities, have contributed to help organizations in these early days of recovery.
Tampa Bay Region Outreach
September’s Hurricane Helene left Florida’s central Gulf Coast with unprecedented flooding and high wind damage. As a result, Petland immediately reached out to its friends at Tampa Bay SPCA to assess their needs for service and recovery. Petland delivered 1,300 pounds of pet food to the shelter within a couple of days. Following the storm, Tampa Bay SPCA began implementing a “pop-up pantry” taking pet food and other supplies out for distribution. The pantry locations are being shared on the shelter’s webpage and on social media.
“There are many families and animals that need help,” said Martha Boden, CEO, Tampa Bay SPCA. “Thank you, Petland, for being a part of their support network.”
Late last week, less than two weeks after Helene, the Tampa Bay area took a direct hit from Hurricane Milton. Petland staged an additional 2,600 pounds of pet food in nearby Georgia before the storm (Milton) came ashore. The food arrived at Tampa Bay SPCA headquarters near Largo, FL on Monday (Oct. 14), and is being added to the continued outreach for the region’s pet population. Petland is also sending dog crates of various sizes to Tampa Bay SPCA to help the shelter house the new influx of pets they are receiving. The organization is accepting donations via https://spcatampabay.org/hurricane-helene-relief/.
North Carolina Assistance
Hurricane Helene also brought unexpected devastation for those living in western North Carolina. Many have lost loved ones and/or their homes; pets have been lost or surrendered, and people are having trouble securing pet food for their pets after the storm.
“The hurricane effects in North Carolina are unique for that region and the need there is great,” said Petland President and CEO Joe Watson. “This includes the needs of pets and their families who may have lost their home, or are among those still without water, power – or need food. Petland is grateful for the opportunity to help.”
Petland Charities reached out to the area’s largest shelter, Asheville Humane Society, to learn what is most needed. Shelter leaders shared what they need most right now are financial donations. Petland Charities has donated $2,500 to the Asheville Humane Society to help with its recovery and pet care efforts, which includes stocking and operating three temporary locations in the community to help get needed resources for pets and their humans. If you or your organization would like to help in the shelter’s efforts, they are accepting donations online at https://www.ashevillehumane.org/.
To learn more about Petland Charities’ mission to build a healthier and happier world for pets by improving standards of care, eliminating puppy mills, ending the risk of pet homelessness in our communities, and creating special connections through the human-animal bond, visit petlandcharities.org.
