INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Foster care for animals that belong to residents evacuating from Puerto Rico because of Hurricane Maria is now available at a local agency.
The Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County is offering free care for animals belonging to evacuees fleeing on a temporary basis, officials said. The foster care, which also is available to animals that belong to residents evacuating other islands because of Maria, will be provided up to four weeks.
“This is clearly a humanitarian crisis. As flights arrive from Puerto Rico, people bringing pets may need our help,” said Executive Director Michael Mandel in an emailed statement. “Our goal is to alleviate stress by helping families with pets so they have one less thing to worry about as they get back on their feet after this devastating storm.”
The agency’s staff and volunteers are highly skilled in disaster response and have rescued and cared for animals after numerous disasters in Florida and across the nation, officials said.
In 2005, the agency took trained staff and volunteers to Mississippi immediately after Hurricane Katrina and again in 2011 to Missouri after a tornado hit the city of Joplin.
The agency is asking for donations such as money, blankets, sheets, towels, large pet crates, pet carriers, leashes and treats. Those who want more information on requesting assistance or making a donation should call the agency at 772-388-3331 at extension 129 and 130.
The agency is located at 6230 77th Street, southwest of the Indian River County Fairgrounds & Expo Center.