200 Animals Already Reconnected With Owners After Hurricane Harvey
Jonas Guillory with his boy Shocky. He was super happy to be reunited. They hope to be on their feet again real soon and then would love to come back to adopt a pony for their family. They received donated hay and grain from the community! Image courtesy of Houston SPCA.
Houston SPCA Pet Reunions Ramp Up for Harvey-displaced Animals and Their Owners
HOUSTON (September 25, 2017) – The Houston SPCA continues its work of caring for and reuniting the more than 1,200 companion animals, horses and farm animals rescued during Harvey’s aftermath with over 200 animals already reconnected with their owners and more reunions expected in the coming weeks.
“Losing a pet in an unprecedented catastrophe like this one is very difficult for pet owners and we don’t want them to give up hope,” said Houston SPCA President Patricia Mercer. “The effort is enormous, but we’re doing everything we can to ensure displaced animals in our care are reunited with their families.”
Owners still searching for their animals after Harvey are encouraged to visit www.HoustonSPCA.org/harvey. Those who see a match or have a question should call 713-869-7722 and provide the Pet ID number that corresponds with the photo on the website for further assistance.
Hundreds of animals rescued by the Houston SPCA are also being cared for and treated at veterinary clinics under Operation Reunite through our partnership with the Texas Veterinarian Medical Association. After 30 days, focused efforts will begin on adopting or fostering animals displaced by this catastrophe.
An additional resource includes the free app, Finding Rover, which uses facial recognition technology to reunite animals with their owners. Pet owners can use the app to upload a picture of their lost animal while other users can upload pictures of animals they have found. Those pictures are scanned through all the “lost” photos and then matched based on the technology before the owner is notified.
We reunited Tammy Tease with her mare “Cyanne” as well as Carl Mahony with his gelding “Interstate.” Unfortunately, they lost everything but were overjoyed to have their “babies” back and were extremely grateful for the care their horses received while with us. To help them get through the next few weeks, we supplied them with some hay and grain that has been donated to us. Image courtesy of Houston SPCA.
Mercer also suggests those willing to provide a temporary home for a displaced pet to visit www.FosteraHurricanePet.org, a neighbor-to-neighbor platform that connects people in need with those who want to foster a Harvey animal.
Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas has rescued or taken in more than 700 wildlife animals including rare birds, mammals and reptiles, most notably an endangered, 90-pound alligator snapping turtle that has since been returned to Buffalo Bayou. The Wildlife Center continues to care for and release these native wildlife that were waterlogged or seriously injured when they arrived.
In addition to caring for companion animals, horses and farm animals, the Houston SPCA is the main distribution hub for pet supplies for individuals, shelters, rescues and other organizations needing assistance. Since Harvey, Houston SPCA has distributed in excess of 40 tons of supplies to Harris County Public Libraries, the Houston Food Bank and our neighbors throughout the community.
Founded in 1924, Houston SPCA is the city’s first and largest animal welfare and protection organization in the region. Its mission is to promote commitment to and respect for all animals and free them from suffering, abuse and exploitation.
The Houston SPCA is a private, 501(c) (3) organization that is not affiliated with any other SPCA, and receives no government funding or assistance from other animal organizations. The Houston SPCA relies exclusively on donations from businesses, grants and animal lovers to uphold its mission.
For more information, please visit www.HoustonSPCA.org. Follow the organization atwww.Facebook.com/HoustonSPCA and @HoustonSPCA on Twitter and Instagram.
