Santa Barbara Humane Society

Volunteers Coming to Aid Animal Shelters

At the request of the Santa Barbara Humane Society, the Sacramento-based United Animal Nation (UAN) has begun to deploy Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) volunteers from all over California to Santa Barbara today to assist with the emergency sheltering operation for the hundreds of pets displaced by the Jesusita Fire. “We hope to provide some relief to the amazing Santa Barbara Humane Society staff and volunteers, who have been working non-stop to care for the animals since this crisis began.” said Janell Matthies, UAN Emergency Service Manager and leader of the EARS team in Santa Barbara, in a written statement.

UAN will send 10 specially trained EARS volunteers per day to Santa Barbara to help care for the evacuated animals at the temporary emergency animal shelter for the duration of the Jesusita Fire crisis.

Since 1987, UAN has provided aid to communities overwhelmed by a large number of displaced animals during crises. The organization has provided relief in more than 90 natural disasters and crises, including fires in Butte County, California in 2008; flooding in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2008; and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.

Those needing assistance with their animals should still call the Santa Barbara Humane Society at (805) 681-4332.

=============================================

05/07/09 -- At approximately noon today, a PetSmart Charities® Emergency Relief Waggin'® trailer, stocked with at least 16 tons of much-needed pet food and supplies, was deployed from the PetSmart® Distribution Center in Phoenix, Ariz. to the Santa Barbara Humane Society, 5399 Overpass Road in Santa Barbara, Calif. to assist pets who have been displaced or injured by the Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara County. "We received a request May 6th for assistance from officials with Santa Barbara County Animal Services and began readying a vehicle for deployment to the scene," said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities. Initial reports from Susan Klein-Rothschild, acting animal services operations chief in the emergency operations center, indicate that mandatory evacuations of people and animals have resulted in the shelter receiving more than 150 dogs, 140 cats and at least 50 horses, goats and llamas for emergency shelter and care, with many more expected.

Each PetSmart Charities Emergency Relief Waggin' vehicle is stocked with emergency pet supplies and field and support equipment valued at $60,000. Supplies include pet food, crates, beds, bowls, litter and litter pans, and other necessary animal-care items, as well as a generator, fans, tents, a battery charger, lights and other supplies to assist the agency who is caring for displaced companion animals.

"The sole purpose of our Emergency Relief Waggin' program is to ensure that necessary assistance is readily available for animals in need as a result of natural or man-made disasters," Della Maddalena added. "We want to do our part so these helpless pets receive the care and comfort they need and deserve."

================================================

SBC-JIC Jesusita Fire 020
DATE: May 7, 2009
TIME: 1210 (12:10 PM)

Donations of Animal Crates Requested
A large number of crates are needed to assist with sheltering the animals evacuated due to the fire. Please consider donating medium to large-sized animal crates by bringing them to the Santa Barbara Humane Society at 5399 Overpass Road.

===============================================

6:30 pm 5/6/09
JESUSITA FIRE: ANIMAL EVACUATIONS
HUMANE SOCIETY SAYS IT'S FULL. SMALL ANIMALS (PRIMARILY CATS) CAN BE TAKEN TO THE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER AT 5473 OVERPASS

=================================================

JESUSITA FIRE: ANIMAL SERVICES UPDATE AND DONATION NEEDS
Animal Services and Partners Offer Safe Care for Pets During Jesusita Fire

Santa Barbara County Animal Services and our community partners -- including the Santa Barbara Humane Society, ASAP, and Equine Evac -- have provided emergency care for more than 300 animals displaced by the Jesusita Fire as of May 6, 2009. It has been a collaborative effort to provide safe care for pets during this traumatic time. Many pet owners have expressed appreciation knowing their animals are safe and secure.

Individuals in our community who would like to support their effort may make donations to the Santa Barbara Humane Society. The following items are particularly needed:

* Pedigree small crunchy bites dry dog food
* Pedigree chunky beef and chicken canned dog food
* Johnny Cat Original cal litter (unscented and non-clumping)
* Whiska’s dry cat food
* Friskies mixed grill canned cat food

The Santa Barbara Humane Society is located at 5399 Overpass Road, and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For further information call 805-964-4777.

Story Created: May 7, 2009 at 3:54 AM PDT