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Helping Animal Victims of the Haitian Disaster

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The world is responding to the disaster in Haiti, and people around the world are coming together to help in any way they can. The animal victims of this disaster will desperately need help too, and animal welfare groups are joining forces to come to their aid. Together, the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) will be working on the ground under the umbrella of the newly-created Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) to help the animals in Haiti. Teams will be working out of a mobile clinic which has been donated by the Antigua and Barbuda Humane Society.

WSPA and IFAW have pledged funds to fully outfit this mobile clinic, and it will be shipped from Antigua to the Sociedad Dominicana Para la Protección de Animales (SODOPRECA) in the Dominican Republic for them to drive across the border into Haiti. When people join together, amazing things can happen.

To donate to this joint international relief effort please click here: WSPA/IFAW Haitian Response Donations. Cash donations will also be collected at the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society to be forwarded directly to this relief effort.

Disaster Preparedness

Although this disaster occurred in Haiti, an emergency can strike anywhere and any time. Planning ahead is the key to keeping yourself and your companion animals safe during a disaster. The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society has plans in place to help our community's animals in an emergency situation but, it's important that pet owners are also prepared. Here are a few tips to reduce the risk to your companion animals during disasters:

  • Place an emergency decal on your front window or door. If disaster strikes while you are not home, this decal will alert rescuers of the animals inside.

  • Microchip your pets. Microchip identification is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if you are separated. Be sure to keep the microchip registration up-to-date.
  • Keep a collar and tag on all cats and dogs at all times.
  • Plan a pet-friendly place to stay. Search in advance for out-of-area pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities, or make a housing exchange agreement with an out-of-area friend or relative.
  • Use the buddy system.
  • Exchange pet information, evacuation plans and house keys with a few trusted neighbors or nearby friends. If you're caught outside evacuation lines when an evacuation order is issued, your neighbors or friends can evacuate your pets for you.
  • Prepare an emergency kit for each animal. Include copies of your pet's vaccinations, photographs, emergency contact references, temporary identification (see below), pet first aid kit, food, water, extra medication, and important supplies in an easy-to-grab container.
  • Have a carrier or leash for each animal.
  • Store a week's supply of fresh food and water. Keeping your pets' diet consistent during a time of stress is important. Make sure your food supply is always fresh, and store it in a water-tight container. If you use canned food, keep a spare can opener with your emergency supplies.
  • Never leave your pets behind when you evacuate. Even if you think you will only be gone temporarily, be sure to bring your animals with you when you leave. It's not uncommon for a 'short' evacuation to stretch to days.