Ways to help animals and their humans affected by Harvey: Wednesday Wag

Thousands of people in Texas and Louisiana have been displaced or otherwise devastated by Tropical Storm Harvey, but pets need help too, especially because they can add an obstacle to safety for their humans.

As of Wednesday, Tropical Storm Harvey was still wreaking havoc on the Texas and Louisiana coasts. According to CNN, more than 8,500 people have had to be rescued in Houston alone and parts of the city had been pelted with a record-breaking 51.88 inches of rain as of Wednesday morning. Of course, those rescued residents aren’t the only ones who need help. Thousands of pets and other animals are facing the rising flood waters as well.

Along with the community centers and non-profits seeking donations for humans, animal rescue groups and shelters need a lot of help as they face overcrowding and an onslaught of abandoned and displaced pets. Over the past several days, news outlets have captured and reported on people trying to keep their dogs’ heads above water, on terrified abandoned pets, and on rescue organizations from all corners of the country mobilizing to help.

Now, some may argue dedicating time and financial resources to animal groups is misplaced when so many people still need assistance. But that’s one of the reasons helping pets in Texas and Louisiana right now is so important. A lot like how people in abusive domestic situations often won’t leave their abuser because they fear they’d be leaving their pet in a dangerous situation, people in flood-affected areas may be hesitant to get themselves to safety if they’re not sure their pets can come along too. Or the physical effort it might take to transport those pets without help could endanger more lives, animal and human. In fact, in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina, The Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act was passed specifically so pets’ safety would be taken into more consideration in the case of natural disasters. NBC News reported that the Humane Society of the United States was already dealing with a backlog of calls this week from distressed pet owners who’ve been separated from their furry family members.

While experts don’t recommend untrained volunteers travel to flood-affected areas, there are a lot of ways to help from afar. (As always, make sure whatever organization you’re donating to is legitimate.) Here are a few options:

• Donate to the Humane Society of the United States here.
• Donate to the Texas SPCA here.
• Many shelters and groups need supplies like cages, food, and leashes. Check the Hurricane Harvey Animals Rescue Support Facebook Page or search for local shelters to learn about different needs.
• The AKC Reunite Canine Support & Relief Fund is dedicated to supporting displaced or abandoned pets. Donate here.

Next: 15 pets named after pop culture that you can adopt right now

Finally, local shelters, shelters in nearby states, and even shelters in other parts of the country will be inundated with displaced and abandoned animals in the coming weeks. Check to see if your local shelter took in any animals you can foster, or maybe adopt. By clearing up valuable cage space, you just might be saving more lives. And maybe making a new friend — or family member.