Hopefully this will never happen to any of us. But you never know.

I’ve been watching the awful earthquake events that continue to unfold in Haiti.

Then today, I really started thinking about the pets of Haiti. They are affected, too. I read about the many relief efforts in Haiti, but they are mostly focused on human needs and issues, which are considerable. However, I could not help but think about the poor pets.

It appears that there are several U.S and international groups that are banding together to help the animals, but it may be a few weeks before aid workers are sent.

According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) website, they have joined the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH). ARCH is a coalition created to address the needs of animals in Haiti following the country’s devastating earthquake.

The ASPCA pledged an initial $25,000 to support ARCH’s relief efforts.

The ASPCA indicated that they plan to extend their full support to Haiti’s animal victims by joining forces and collaborating with other organizations. USA Today indicated that a team of animal responders is awaiting access to Haiti to begin animal relief with medications, food, bandages, and other supplies. There are millions of goats, livestock, stray dogs and other animals affected.

So relief is coming for the animals. We hope that it comes in time.

Again, we hope that a disaster like this never happens in our backyard, but you really never know. Please take a minute to print this article and read it when you have time – think about what you would do in a natural disaster. Go to: http://www.petplace.com/plan-now-to-protect-your-pet-in-a-natural-disaster

I’ve known people with pets that have fallen victim to hurricanes, tornados and house fires.

You never know. I think it is important to be prepared, even though you hope that it never happens to you.

Until next time,

Dr. Jon