Animals Suffer Following Oklahoma Tornado: ASPCA Offers Tips For How You Can Help

As we continue to count the number of lives lost in the Oklahoma Tornado, it’s easy to forget that humans were not the only ones to suffer at the hands of such devastation. Thousands of animals also lost their homes and in some cases their owners.

With all of the devastation the Oklahoma Tornado has caused, the team at the ASPCA has teamed up with partner shelter Central Oklahoma Humane Society (OK Humane) to provide relief for lost and orphaned pets.

According to the ASPCA:

“We’ll continue to offer our assistance as needed and will keep you updated as the long road to recovery begins for Moore and its neighbors.”

If you have lost a pet in the rea you can visit OK Humane or check for your lost cat or dog via www.okclostpets.com. That second destination was setup specifically to assist pet owners following the Oklahoma tornado disaster.

As the ASPCA continues to witness an increase number of pet related tragedies in bad weather the agency is reminding pet parents to take certain precautions. Here are the steps you should take to prepare your animals for evacuation or emergency cover:

• Have a Plan. Your “all-family” plan should include how you will transport your animals in an evacuation, possible routes you will take and your destination/sheltering options.
• Build a Kit. Don’t forget a photo of your pet, medical records, vaccination records, and any special food or prescriptions.
• Stay Informed. Keep an eye on the weather, learn which shelters house both people and pets, and monitor possible road closures.
• Vaccinate and Microchip. If you’re ever required to shelter your pets, you’ll want them protected against disease. Microchipping your pets can be their ticket home.

Have you taken additional steps to ensure that your pets are safe during a tornado or other natural disasters?