ASPCA launches animal assistance efforts in wake of hurricane
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on communities throughout North Carolina, the ASPCA® is announcing the launch of an animal assistance hotline for residents in Western North Carolina affected by the catastrophic storm.
The hotline will provide impacted pet owners with critical information on where they can receive free pet food and supplies provided by the ASPCA across the region. Residents will also be able to report the need for companion animal search and rescue support.
The ASPCA’s disaster response team is on the ground coordinating with the North Carolina Emergency Operation Center at the request of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and as a member of the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC). In addition to providing pet food and supplies for impacted pet owners and shelters, the ASPCA is assisting with animal search and rescue efforts alongside ASAR Training and Response and other national and local animal welfare organizations, as well as evacuating homeless animals out of the disaster zone to free up critical resources at local shelters.
Residents in Western North Carolina who need animal assistance can contact the North Carolina Animals Hotline at 888.808.0810 or submitting a request form at aspca.org/NCanimalhelp. The hotline is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. ASPCA personnel will offer services i ncluding delivering pet food and supplies and responding to requests for animal search and rescue. Information about local animal shelters and veterinary clinics, volunteer opportunities and how to donate to these efforts will also be provided. To report a found or missing animal, residents should contact their local animal service agency.
