ASPCA Brings Relief to Flood-Stricken Families and Shelters

The ASPCA recently spent more than a week in Indiana and West Virginia at the urgent request of disaster-impacted animal shelters, helping with daily care and emergency evacuation of homeless cats and dogs affected by severe flooding.

On August 11 in Connersville, Indiana, a town along the Whitewater River, historic rainfall triggered severe flooding, tornadoes and widespread power outages, leaving thousands of families displaced. Among them were Jordan and Aston M., who recently purchased their family home. Water entered from the basement and rose to two feet above the main floor. In the aftermath, the couple lost treasured heirlooms, furniture and other belongings.

The couple also has pets. After Jordan noticed ASPCA vehicles near her home the following week, she ran over to meet responders.

“I wanted to know if the ASPCA could help us in any way,” she says.

Before the flooding, Jordan and Aston evacuated their three young children and one of their cats to Jordan’s grandparents’ nearby home, which sits farther from the flood zone. A volunteer from a local cat rescue organization offered to foster their three other cats. But the couple didn’t want to evacuate without their four dogs.

“So, we chose to stay,” says Jordan.

Keeping Pets Safe

Jordan and Aston met the ASPCA’s Joy Ollinger, senior manager of disaster response, who provided the couple with two large dog kennels, tarps, shade cloths, bowls, treats, wet dog food and cat litter. The dogs, Reina, Ace, Ronan and Josie, were evacuated to Jordan’s grandparents’ backyard while the couple’s other pets — a bearded dragon, box turtle and pink-toed tarantula — stayed safe in their enclosures.

“In addition to helping shelters, part of our work is helping people in the community who are affected by flooding,” says Joy, who visited shelters housing people, conducted field assessments and met with residents of Fayette County to offer food and supplies so pets and families could stay together. “Jordan and Aston went above and beyond to keep their dogs, which is heartwarming.”

The ASPCA’s disaster response efforts are made possible in part by The Rachael Ray Foundation, along with donations from other dedicated supporters. Launched to support the causes closest to Rachael Ray's heart, The Rachael Ray Foundation is committed to improving the lives of animals in need and honoring the human-animal bond.

Hope After the Flood

While several homes in Jordan and Aston’s neighborhood have been condemned, their home's foundation remains intact. Aston, who is skilled in brick refractory work, roofing and flooring, has begun repairing their storm-battered home.

“We’re taking it day by day,” says Jordan, adding that the storms occurred in the middle of finals week at Indiana University East, where she is working toward a bachelor’s degree in humanities and social science.

For 160 years, we've shown up for animals in their most vulnerable moments. We partner with shelters and communities across the country, delivering care exactly when it's needed most. However they need us, we go there for animals and the people who love them.

“Joy took such good care of us,” says Jordan. “The ASPCA’s been very attentive.”

September is National Preparedness Month and with the frequency and intensity of natural disasters increasing, we urge pet owners to ensure their pets remain safe during emergencies. Visit aspca.org/disasterprep to learn more about the steps you can take now to keep your pets safe the next time disaster strikes