PetSmart in pet relief effort

PetSmart is reaching out to help pets stranded by the Louisiana floods



The chain and its charitable nonprofit arm, PetSmart Charities, are coming to the aid of hundreds of animals left homeless by the Louisiana floods, which is being called the worst natural disaster to hit the United States since Hurricane Sandy.



According to news reports, the rising water forced more than 30,000 people to evacuate their homes. As well, hundreds of animals have been rescued with a high percentage of them being pets. Local animal welfare organizations are overwhelmed as they care for the rescued animals, providing shelter, food and care and working to reunite owners with their pets.



Funded by PetSmart Charities, a large 28-pallet shipment of much-needed pet supplies such as pet food, cat litter, feeding bowls, leashes, crates and beds valued at more than $80,000 arrived from the PetSmart central region distribution center to Louisiana on Monday.



PetSmart DC associates worked round the clock to get the shipment out to those in need, while grant makers at PetSmart Charities worked to provide more than $30,000 in financial support to local animal welfare organizations. The grants will help with the financial strain these nonprofits are facing due to the increased need to provide shelter, food and veterinary care for rescued animals.



“The PetSmart-PetSmart Charities team moved swiftly, and we are honored to be able to provide this emergency relief support to pets and pet parents in need in Louisiana,” said David Haworth, DVM, PhD and president of PetSmart Charities in the U.S. and Canada. “The residents of Louisiana are in our hearts. So many have lost their homes and personal property, and it’s our hope that the funding support and pet supplies help our animal welfare partners in the region to care for these rescued pets until all of them are reunited with their families. As well, we know that the impact of these floods will linger, and we will continue to provide support going forward.”