In the News

Missouri Flood Rescue Diary

Humane Society of Missouri Rescues Owls in Caruthersville

April 4-6, 2008- The Humane Society of Missouri rescued two common barn owls in jeapardy near Caruthersville. The owls were taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center in Cape Girardeau County on Sunday.

The Humane Society of Missouri continues to keep close watch on the Cape Girardeau area.

A Special Thank You for Donations Made to Animals Displaced by Floodwaters in Missouri

Dana Brown Charitable Trust

The Humane Society of Missouri would like to thank Kennelwood Pet Resort for temporarily boarding 30 dogs recently rescued from Missouri flooding.

Humane Society of Missouri Transports Another Group of Animals Displaced by Floodwaters in Caruthersville

March 28, 2008- For the third time, the Humane Society of Missouri has transported a group of animals from the already full Caruthersville Humane Society. 48 dogs and 9 cats were transported back to the Humane Society of Missouri shelter on Macklind Avenue and will be placed for adoption.

Humane Society of Missouri Again Called to Caruthersville to Rescue Second Group of Cats, Dogs and Puppies Displaced by Threatening Floodwaters

March 25, 2008- For the second time in three days, the Humane Society of Missouri has been called to the Caruthersville Humane Society to rescue another group of 32 dogs, including 16 puppies, and 18 cats who have been orphaned by the threat of flood.

“The owners of these dogs and cats know that if they get flooded they won’t be able to care for their pets anymore,” says Tim Rickey, Director of Rescue and Investigations, Humane Society of Missouri. “They’re choosing to provide them a second chance, here in St. Louis, where they’re safe from the rising waters.”

The Caruthersville Humane Society requested the assistance of the Humane Society of Missouri because of the influx of animals they’ve received as a result of the flood crisis. These dogs and cats will be brought to the Humane Society of Missouri shelter on Macklind Avenue and placed for adoption. The Humane Society of Missouri will continue to coordinate with the Caruthersville Humane Society and will make additional trips to provide relief, as needed.

Humane Society of Missouri Rescues Cats, Dogs and Puppies Displaced by Rising Floodwaters in Southeastern Missouri

March 24, 2008- The Humane Society of Missouri is coordinating animal rescue and sheltering efforts in Southeastern Missouri.  At the request of the Caruthersville Humane Society, the Humane Society of Missouri is rescuing 37 dogs and 11 cats displaced by the rising flood waters. Many of these animals are pets that have been surrendered by their owners as a result of the emergency situation. The Humane Society of Missouri is working with the Caruthersville Humane Society to remove as many animals as possible from harm’s way. The Humane Society of Missouri will continue to monitor the rising waters of the Mississippi and when necessary return to the area for further assistance.

On Sunday, March 23, the Humane Society of Missouri dispatched its rapid response team including its mobile shelter to Caruthersville. The dogs will be unloaded from the Humane Society of Missouri’s mobile shelter and evaluated by the veterinary medical staff on Monday morning.

“We are very fortunate that the Humane Society of Missouri has the resources available to offer our assistance to community animal shelters affected by the flooding,” says Kathy Warnick, President of the Humane Society of Missouri. “By accepting these animals we’re providing them with a second chance in St. Louis and helping the Caruthersville shelter to continue to provide emergency relief to pet owners in their community.”

The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has named the Humane Society of Missouri as the lead agency to assist with animal related emergency relief. The Humane Society of Missouri has requested the assistance of the Humane Society of the United States and a Colorado animal organization, Code Three Associates, which specializes in water rescue emergencies. The ASPCA is providing additional staffing at the Humane Society in Caruthersville.

Gov. Blunt Commends Humane Society Volunteers for Pet Rescue Efforts

March 23, 2008-As flood water rise, many Missourians delay evacuating their homes because they can not bear to be parted with their pets.  Gov. Matt Blunt today commended the Humane Society of Missouri and other animal service organizations assisting pet owners displaced by the flooding care for their pets.

“Because not all shelters are able to accept animals, the Humane Society of Missouri and other animal service organizations are assisting pet owners displaced by the flooding care for their pets,” Gov. Blunt said.  “SEMA is working with a network of state animal organizations and shelters to provide temporary shelters for pets until it is safe for people and animals to return to their homes.”

“While we prefer and recommend people take their pets with them when they evacuate, we know it is not always possible in emergency situations,” said Mark James, director of Public Safety.

In St. Louis and Franklin Counties, household pets owners with questions about temporary pet shelters, checking on pets left in homes, or evacuating animals from emergency situations may call: St. Louis County:  (314) 628-5400; Franklin County:  (636) 583-1679; or to report an animal in distress, please call the Humane Society of Missouri at (314) 647-4400.

Missouri Flood Rescue Diary

March 22, 2008-The Humane Society of Missouri Emergency Response Team is assisting pet and animal owners in St. Louis County and around the state of Missouri. To read the latest news about the Humane Society and how they are helping the animals affected by the flood waters, read the Rescue Diary.

Humane Society of Missouri Leads Flood Response and Animal Rescue Efforts Across State

March 22, 2008-The Humane Society of Missouri, acting as the lead animal rescue organization for the state of Missouri, is fully engaged across flood ravaged areas offering assistance to pet and animal owners. The Humane Society of Missouri is coordinating efforts with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and has requested the assistance of the Humane Society of the United States and a Colorado animal organization, Code Three Associates, which specializes in water rescue emergencies.

The Humane Society of Missouri has set up an emergency pet shelter at its location in St. Louis City on Macklind Avenue. Pets from the Arnold area have been brought in for temporary shelter and more are expected.

The efforts of the Humane Society of Missouri emergency responders are focused on St. Louis, Jefferson and Franklin Counties. In Butler County, the Humane Society of Missouri has requested the assistance of the Humane Society of the United States. In Pemiscot County the Humane Society of Missouri is working with Code Three Associates to assist the Caruthersville Humane Society.  As the flood waters crest and recede across the region, the Humane Society of Missouri and the other responding agencies will relocate their services to the areas that need attention.

Reminder for Residents who are Returning to Their Homes:
As residents are allowed to temporarily return to their homes they may find that supplies of pet food are unusable. Please communicate all needs, including pet food, to local emergency operation centers. The Humane Society of Missouri will coordinate with those agencies to help provide pet food for residents in need.

Persons who are in need of assistance in temporarily sheltering pets, checking on pets left in homes or evacuating animals from emergency situations should first contact their local law enforcement or emergency management officials. Local officials will contact the appropriate animal organization and dispatch a response team for assistance. The Humane Society of Missouri emergency response team can be contacted directly at 314-647-4400. 

How the Public can Help: 
People who wish to make a donation to the Humane Society of Missouri’s flood relief efforts are asked to consider making a gift of funds so the shelter may purchase what is most urgently needed. Additionally, the shelter can always use washable dog bowls, washable crates of all sizes, washable toys and Kong toys.  Persons interested in volunteering at the Humane Society of Missouri temporary emergency shelter call (314) 802-5712.

The Humane Society of Missouri Thanks Partner Organizations with Flood Rescue Efforts

March 22, 2008-The Humane Society of Missouri would like to thank the Humane Society of the United States and Code 3 Associates for their assistance rescuing animals in danger from the rising flood waters of Missouri's rivers.

Thank you to our partnering agencies assisting the Humane Society of Missouri to rescue distressed animals.

The Humane Society of Missouri Prepares to Offer Temporary Emergency Shelter for Pets of People Displaced by Rising Flood Waters

March 21, 2008-The Humane Society of Missouri is working to transform the St. Louis City Shelter on Macklind Avenue into a temporary emergency shelter for pets of people displaced by rising flood waters of the Meramec River.

The Humane Society of Missouri is working in close partnership with the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, to assist pet owners forced to evacuate their homes because of flooding.

The Humane Society of Missouri recommends that pet owners take pets with them when evacuating but recognizes that in some circumstances it may not have been an option.

Persons who are in need of assistance in temporarily sheltering pets, checking on pets left in homes or evacuating animals from emergency situations should first contact their local law enforcement or emergency management officials. Local officials will contact the appropriate animal organization and dispatch a response team for assistance.

“It doesn't’t matter how your pet got into an emergency situation, our priority now is helping pet owners keep their animals safe,” Says Debbie Hill, Humane Society of Missouri Vice President. “Contact your local emergency management office and we will work with them to make sure pets have food and water and if necessary, evacuate them from a dangerous situation and provide temporary emergency shelter.”

The Humane Society of Missouri emergency response team is currently working with local emergency management agencies in St. Louis and Jefferson Counties. In addition, the Humane Society of United States and the Code Three animal rescue organization have been called in to assist with animal rescue and sheltering in Butler County, Caruthersville and other southern parts of the state affected by flooding.

The Humane Society of Missouri emergency response team can be contacted directly at 314-647-4400.

How You Can Help the Animals Displaced by Flood Waters

March 21, 2008-Persons interested in volunteering at the Humane Society of Missouri temporary emergency shelter should email or call the Emergency Shelter Volunteer Hotline at (314) 802-5712. Please include your full name, phone number including area code and email address if available. Also, please state they way you would like to assist the animals (i.e. shelter work, foster care, transportation of animals, etc.) We will contact volunteers on an as-needed basis. Thank you for your support of the work of the Humane Society of Missouri.

Rescue and Shelter Efforts Continue as Flood Waters Rise

March 21, 2008- The Humane Society of Missouri is the lead animal welfare agency activated by SEMA (State Emergency Management Agency) to help in the rescue and shelter efforts in the flooding parts of Missouri. The Humane Society of Missouri has also partnered with HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) and Code 3 Associates from Colorado, that specializes in water rescue emergencies. HSUS and Code 3 Associates will be providing assistance in the southeast region which will allow the Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team to assist the surrounding areas of St. Louis which will include St. Louis County, Franklin County and Jefferson County.

Anyone in flood impacted areas needing assistance or temporary shelter for your animals, please do the following:

1. Contact the local emergency service in your area to find out what organizations are providing assistance.

2. Call the Humane Society of Missouri at (314) 647-4400 or toll free at 1-800-383-9835.

Anyone wanting to assist in the rescue and shelter efforts are being asked to call (314) 802-5712.

Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team to Help Shelter Pets of Southeast Missouri Flood Victims

March 19, 2008-At the request of the Cape Girardeau County Emergency Management Services, the Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team is dispatching to the region to assess the situation and, if needed, provide shelter to pets, horses and farm animals, of people displaced by the recent flooding.     

Tim Rickey, Director of Rescues and Investigations for the Humane Society of Missouri, and Statewide Investigators Carmen Skelly and Bonnie Dean are en route to the affected areas. If needed, additional crew members will be dispatched tomorrow.

Already on the scene is Humane Society of Missouri Statewide Investigator, Kyle Held. Held is working with Emergency Management Services assessing the current animal welfare and sheltering needs in this situation.

Visible flood water line in Southeast Missouri home.	Flood waters rising over the road in Southeast Missouri.

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Rescue Diaries

Animals rescued from flooded shelter in Chillicothe, MO- May 2007

Horses from tractor-trailer accident on Hwy. 44 - September 2006