Joplin Missouri Tornado: Dog Cat Pet Rescue Efforts

HSMO Joplin MO Disaster Response 

We live in the Missouri Ozarks.  We've spent a lot of time in the past few days watching the sky and taking cover from tornadoes.  We also recently made a donation to the Humane Society of Missouri for the Joplin Relief Fund.

Their Disaster Response Team is hard at work sifting through rubble in the tornado ravaged town of Joplin to find animals that need help.  70 dogs and cats have been transported from an overwhelmed vet clinic to the Joplin Humane Society, where displaced animals are being sheltered.  Many dogs and cats have also been removed from abandoned properties and taken to safety. 

These trained volunteer Disaster Relief Team members are canvassing the area to rescue distressed pets and providing carriers to residents who need help transporting their animals. 


The HSMO is the lead animal welfare agency (as named by the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency) to respond to disasters and other emergencies in Missouri.  Currently, a 23 person Disaster Response Team consists of animal rescue, sheltering and veterinary professionals and trained emergency volunteers are working in the Joplin area. 

If you'd like to make a donation to help their rescue efforts, you can donate online at their web site www.hsmo.org or by phone at 314-951-1542.   You may also text SAVEPETS to 20222 to donate $10.  Follow their progress at their special, new Joplin Animal Rescue Facebook page.

The Joplin, Missouri area is being overwhelmed with donations of supplies and with volunteers, so a central clearinghouse has been set up to coordinate things.  If you wish to donate supplies, or wish to personally volunteer, to help people or pets, you need to contact the area United Way.   There you'll find up to date information about the most pressing needs. 


Please note:  people are advised NOT to travel to the area unless they've received official authorization.

What About the Pets of the Homeless

"Homelessness is the number one risk factor for companion animals in the United States. These animals die for no other reason than the mere fact that they, for whatever reason, lack a home," says ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres in an April 2010 statement
 It is estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless that 3.5 million people are homeless. Between 5% to 10% of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. In some areas of the country the rate is as high as 24%. Most people who experience homelessness are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing or a rent subsidy. But unfortunately for those with pets it becomes more difficult. Many are forced to choose between their pet or a roof over their head. Surprisingly, most choose to stay on the streets with their pets for longer periods of time
 In 2006, while visiting New York City, Pets of the Homeless founder, Genevieve Frederick, saw a homeless man begging while his pathetic dog lay beside him. Unable to get this vision from her head, she began researching the homeless with pets. A persistent thought whirled around in her head, "Why would these people, who can barely feed themselves, have a pet?" The answer became apparent with the realization of how nonjudgmental pets are, they provide comfort, give love and an emotional bond of loyalty without complaint. It was also clear, in some cases, how pets provide protection and warmth. The staggering, countless number of pets of the homeless touched Frederick to the extent she felt compelled to do something. Thus Pets of the Homeless was born. Since 2008, 53.7 tons of pet food has been donated and distributed.


Pets of the Homeless is a nonprofit all volunteer organization that provides pet food and veterinary care to the homeless and less fortunate in local communities across the United States and Canada. Their member collection sites accept donated pet food from people like you and me. They then deliver it to distributing organizations (food banks, homeless shelter and/or soups kitchens) which have agreed to distribute the pet food to the homeless and poor. They also award grants to veterinarians who go where the homeless congregate to provide veterinary care and have a pet sleeping crate program

Want to help? It can be as easy as repackaging donated pet food into quart sized baggies and deliver to a distribution site. Most homeless with pets are transit and move around daily seeking shelter, food, water and bathrooms. Distribution centers (Food Banks/Soup Kitchens) need to have repackaged pet food in smaller quantities to give away. Larger bags of food are impossible for the homeless to manage. Can you imagine carrying 25 pounds of pet food? You can help to recruit distribution sites, volunteer at a soup kitchen and spread the word. Take to the streets and distribute pet food to the homeless. Talk to your local vets and help them become a collection site for donated pet food. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

The dog and cat companions of the homeless need food, medical care, spay/neutering, and kindness. Pets of the Homeless is a voice for them. Join them.