Fires, floods, hurricanes, tornados and earthquakes send people and their pets scrambling for their lives. In many cases, pets become lost or missing in the course of the tragedy.

The Humane Society of the United States operates a special selection of web pages as well as physical assistance to many of the disaster occurrences in the US.

Local and regional animal shelters also assist in rescue and relief efforts.

After a disaster strikes, trying to put the pieces back together is a long and painful journey. When a home is destroyed or a pets' guardian injured, many animals need to be placed in foster homes while their homes are repaired or rebuilt and guardians recover. Understanding these special needs and volunteering to become a foster pet parent can ease the burden placed on already crowded shelters and also eases the mind of the pets guardian. Knowing that their pet is going to be well cared for and is available for visitation and eventual recovery is an enormous relief for disaster victims.

When a disaster strikes and you want to help in the relief efforts by becoming a foster pet parent, send an e-mail to our general information address. Include your contact information so we may assist local agencies in the foster pet parent program.