Cedar Valley Humane Society

CVHS Helps Homeless Animals
By Cassie Huisman, Producer
By Cassie Huisman

Story Created: Jun 28, 2008 at 7:33 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 28, 2008 at 9:40 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Valley Humane Society (CVHS) has received countless calls this week from flood victims in desperation to find temporary homes for their pets. This comes on the heels of the Cedar Rapids Animal Control contacting pet owners whose animals are currently housed at Kirkwood Community College that they have until July 11, 2008 to find alternative housing for their pets.
The CVHS came up with an option on Saturday morning as to how they can help.

“We wish we could house all of the animals that were misplaced, but unfortunately we do not have the facility, nor the financial resources to accommodate the number of animals in need,” said Stephanie Holub, a Board of Director for the CVHS.

Instead, the CVHS has established a plan to act as the intermediary for those that need a temporary home for their animals and those in the community that are willing to house animals on a temporary basis. An e-mail and phone number have been established by the CVHS specifically for this purpose. Both parties can contact the CVHS at SaveAFloodPet@mchsi.com or (319) 210-8009. The phone number has been set up to accept voicemails only, so calls will be returned by the CVHS. Staff at the CVHS will then help connect both parties.

“Many families have nothing left, but their animals, so we want to do everything in our power to help them keep their pets,” said the Directors at the Cedar Valley Humane Society.

The Cedar Valley Humane Society will assist families volunteering to house animals with necessary pet supplies (food, litter, leashes, etc.). They also will temporarily house animals at the shelter as space allows.

“In addition, we encourage people that are in the position to adopt a homeless animal, to come to the shelter and do so,” said Stephanie Holub, “This will allow more room at the shelter to house animals displaced by the floods.” She continued, “The extra 100+ animals that we’ve housed as a result of the flooding have added expenses outside of our annual operating budget. We’re grateful to those that have donated their time and financial resources and encourage others to do the same.”

Those wishing to help offset the CVHS’ cost of housing these flood animals are encouraged to make a donation. Donations are being accepted on the CVHS’ website at www.CVHumane.org or in person at the shelter located at 7411 Mount Vernon Road SE in Cedar Rapids. The CVHS opened their doors on June 11th to accept animals from people forced to evacuate their home. They offered this service free of charge to pet owners.

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6/17/08 LTel / Per Beth, Vol. Front Desk:

The shelter is still taking on local strays for all of Linn County EXCLUDING Cedar Rapids.

They can use blankets/towels in addition to the list noted on the website. They are good on toys.

Things are very, very busy but they are doing well overall.

Provided number to the Kirkwood facility for pets to direct private citizens who would like to volunteer temporary shelter for flood survivors.

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6/16/08 NEW WEB SITE UPDATE:

Flood of 2008

The CVHS Adoption Center is currently closed so we may focus our resources toward helping victims of the Flood. On Wed June 11th we began housing 116 cats, dogs & rabbits who had to be evacuted from their homes. In total we are now housing 287 animals at the CVHS.

Donations: We are currently accepting donations to help our efforts at the CVHS & to supply victims of the flood with pets supplies. Monetary donations as well as pet items are welcome. ie: leashes, cat litter pans, litter scoopers, cat litter, dog & cat food.

Shelter supplies: liquid laundry soap, extra large trash can bags, bleach

Flood Victims: Those with pets and in need of supplies due to the flood can pick up pet supplies at the CVHS

Mon-Fri 8-5 pm
Sat 8-4
Sunday by appointment

Volunteers: We need volunteers to wash & prep bowls & litterpans and to clean kennels. Adults only.

Hours available 8-12 Mon-Sun. Call to schedule your shift. It is very difficult to schedule walk-in volunteers so please give us a call first.

There has been incorrect information distributed throughout local churches - please be sure to call to volunteer.

Phones: The phone system has been problematic. Please be patient - Quest is very busy with flood related issues.

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6/15/08 SUPPLY NEEDS POSTED ON www.2008flood.org:

The Cedar Valley Humane Society is housing 271 animals (more than double their normal capacity) & they are offering for those in need that have been affected by the floods to receive FREE pet supplies for their animals.

In order to do this, the CVHS is in need of donations of: cat food, dog food, leashes, cat litter and cat litter boxes.

Please deliver these donations to the shelter at 7411 Mount Vernon Rd SE or call 362-6288. The shelter will begin giving away supplies at 8am on Monday, June 16th.

Contact Info:
Sandy LaBaw or Susan Manson
Phone: 319-362-6288
Email: cvhsslabaw@qwest.net or cvhssmanson@qwest.net

FROM THE WEBSITE 6/16/08:

Donations of Food:

The CVHS is excited to announce a new partnership with the Hill's Company. Free of charge the Hill's Company will be supplying the CVHS with enough Science Diet Food to feed all the Dogs & Cats in our care. This is an ongoing program which will make life easier for the animals. Historically, we have served the dogs & cats a mixture of donated foods. Constantly changing the food our pets eat can lead to upset stomachs & other digestive ailments. By serving the Science Diet food we can make sure everyone is on a consistent diet. In the past the CVHS has been blessed with generous donations of both dog & cat food from our community. These gifts have been priceless. Although Hill's will now be supplying our dry dog & cat food- We Still Need Your Help. The need for cash donations to help pay for medical expenses, basic operational expenses & such has never been greater. If you would rather purchase goods to help out the animals,

Please put the following at the top of your list:

1. Canned cat food (kittens prefer pate rather than the large chunks)
2. Rawhide Bones
3. Dog & Cat Treats
4. Cat Litter (both clay & scoopable)
5. Bleach/Liquid Laundry Soap/Dish Soap
6. Gift Cards

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6/13/08 LTel:

Cedar Valley Humane Society - Currently FULL, please call:

Kirkwood Equine Center
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406

http://www.iowaequestrian.com/directions

(See CAT Facility entry for Kirkwood Equine Center at: https://ccc.haghy.com/shelters/3135

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LTel 6/11/08 my on the ground source in Cedar Rapids, IA reports:

The Cedar Rapids Animal shelter is NOT taking animals and referring all to the Cedar Valley Humane Shelter at this time. The CR Animal Shelter is under water.

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6/11/08 Red Cross Grant Wood Chapter Update:

No reptiles, horses or livestock.
Cats in carriers only, Dogs with lease and collars
Papers for pets appreciated but will work with folks without papers.

Horses or Reptiles (in cages only):
For information please call: Ruthanne 319-393-3500 X 210 Evening: 319-438-9901.

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Animal Lovers Emergency Repsonse Team call: 319-362-6288

Disasters can strike quickly and without much warning. Take responsibility — it can save your life and the life of your pet!
ALERT is a group of volunteers whose purpose is to work with the Cedar Valley Humane Society and the Grant Wood Area Chapter of the American Red Cross to educate pet owners about providing for their pets during and after a natural or man-made disaster. And to work with the Cedar Valley Humane Society and the local chapter of the Red Cross to provide shelter, transportation and care for pets in the event of a disaster.

In the event of a disaster or emergency, many pets are better left in their own home if the owner can return to provide food, water and exercise. Outside pets should be moved inside for their protection. In the event of an evacuation or other circumstance where pets cannot be left at home, Cedar Valley Humane Society can house a limited number of pets. If an owner will need to leave his or her home because of a disaster or emergency, and will need housing for a pet or pets, the owner has three options:

The owner can take pet to the American Red Cross shelter where ALERT will be contacted to pick up the pet All pets must be in a carrier, harness or on leash. Owners will stay with their pet until ALERT arrives, as pets will not be permitted inside the American Red Cross shelter.

The owner can take the pet directly to Cedar Valley Humane Society. Owners are advised to call ahead to make certain there is room available for their pet.

The owner can call Cedar Valley Humane Society to have ALERT pick up their pet at home. Owners will need to be at home with their pet until ALERT arrives.

To notify emergency personnel of pets in your home, decals are available locally.

This SERVICE IS FREE To ensure the success of this organization, your tax deductible donations may be sent to:

Cedar Valley Humane Society
Attention: ALERT
7411 Mt Vernon Rd. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
ALERT is an all volunteer organization. If you would like to help, please call Kathy Ascencio at 396-3593.

From those who use our service, a donation to CVHS is requested.

Owners who request shelter for their pet should provide items the pet will need when they turn their pet over to ALERT or Cedar Valley Humane Society. These items should be provided together in a bag or case that has the owner's name, phone number, address & the name of pet written on the outside. See the following for details.

CATS
Have a 2 week supply at all times. Use the brand your animal is used to eating. Store food in an airtight container. Rotate food and water every 3 months.

FOOD, AND OPENER, IF NEEDED
WATER BOWLS
ID TAG W/ PHOTO
MEDICATIONS W/ INSTRUCTIONS
VACCINATION RECORD / VET NAME & PHONE #
COLLAR, HARNESS AND LEASH
CRATE, IF AVAILABLE
LITTER BOX, CAT LITTER & SCOOP
FIRST AID SUPPLIES
DOGS
Have a 2 week supply at all times. Use the brand your animal is used to eating. Store food in an airtight container. Rotate food and water every 3 months.

FOOD, AND OPENER, IF NEEDED
WATER
BOWLS
ID TAG W/ PHOTO
MEDICATIONS W/ INSTRUCTIONS
VACCINATION RECORD / VET NAME & PHONE #
COLLAR HARNESS AND LEASH
CRATE, IF AVAILABLE
POOPER SCOOPER/ PLASTIC BAGS
FIRST AID SUPPLIES
BIRDS
Have a 2 week supply at all times. Use the brand your animal is used to eating. Store food in airtight container. Rotate food and water every 3 months.

FOOD
WATER
GRAVEL
CUTTLE BONE
CLEANING SUPPLIES
EXTRA SEED BOWLS
FIRST AID SUPPLIES
NET & TOWEL
EVACUATION CAGE
MEDICATIONS I INSTRUCTIONS
VACCINATION RECORD / VET'S NAME & PHONE #
ID INFORMATION / PHOTO
FERRETS/ GUINEA PIGS
Have a 2 week supply at all times. Use the brand your animal is used to eating. Store food in an airtight container. Rotate food and water every 3 months.

FOOD
WATER
CAGE
ID TAG W/ PHOTO
MEDICATIONS / INSTRUCTIONS
VACCINATION RECORD / VET'S NAME & PHONE #
HORSES
Have a I week supply at all times. Use the brand your animal is used to eating. Store food in an airtight container. Store water in 50 gallon drum. Rotate food and water every 3 months. It is preferable to leave them in their home environment and bring food to them. Horses will only be evacuated as a last resort. Now is the time to train your horse to get into a trailer, not during an emergency.

FOOD
WATER
2 BUCKETS
ID TAG W/ PHOTO
MEDICATIONS W/ INSTRUCTIONS
VACCINATION RECORD / VET'S NAME & PHONE #
EXTRA HALTER & LEAD ROPE
FARM ANIMALS

Volunteers will be available to feed farm animals at their location. Written instructions should be available.