BOSTON — MSPCA-Angell is sending several staff members to North Carolina this week to provide much-needed care to animals affected by Hurricane Helene.
During the weeklong trip, the group will establish a mobile veterinary clinic to continue providing care after the Massachusetts-based staff return home.
“There are many needs in North Carolina right now – from getting animals veterinary care to bringing some out of state to find new homes to getting supplies to those stuck in their homes – and through our Natural Disaster Relief program, we’re able to help with it all,” explained Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division.
Two members of the MSPCA’s Community Outreach team traveled to Pennsylvania on Thursday and picked up a mobile veterinary vehicle to drive to North Carolina and meet up with additional MSPCA staff – two veterinarians, two veterinary technicians, and an additional Community Outreach team member – the following day. The veterinarians were granted emergency licenses allowing them to work in the state.
The operation is a collaboration among MSPCA-Angell, Best Friends Animal Society (Best Friends) and three North Carolina shelters –Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (Brother Wolf), Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue (HFAR) and Yancey County Humane Society (Yancey County).
It will start at HFAR in Rutherford County before traveling to Yancey County. All veterinary hospitals in both areas are closed, and Yancey County still has no power or water because of the storm.
“Our team’s goal is to get the mobile clinic up and running, and then set up some procedures and processes that will allow for other veterinary staff to volunteer from anywhere in the country and seamlessly jump in to help,” Keiley said. “We’ll also be delivering much-needed supplies to people in the area.”
The MSPCA-Angell’s team is expected to return from North Carolina about Oct. 18, but, according to Keiley, some may soon be on the road again to assist with disaster recovery elsewhere in the country.
“Given how close these two storms [Helene and Milton] were, many animals in Florida have already been evacuated, which is fortunate,” explained Keiley, noting that the MSPCA-Angell took in a transport of 16 cats from Pasco County Animal Services on Oct. 2 and sent staff there to assist.
“Right now, we’re in touch with our partners in Florida and standing by ready to help however we can as they make recovery plans,” Keiley added.
The MSPCA adopted out 143 cats during the Purranormal Cativity adoption event Oct. 1-4, something Keiley says has allowed the organization to step up its relief efforts, which also included bringing in 10 dogs and 24 cats from Brother Wolf on Oct. 5.
“The success of our Natural Disaster Relief program hinges a lot on us having the space and resources we need to help,” said Keiley. “The community heard our need recently, and we’re hoping they’ll be here for us again now.”
While the MSPCA-Angell has already taken in more than 80 animals impacted by recent hurricanes, the organization is waiving adoption fees this week, Oct. 14-20, for 1-year-old dogs and up at all four of its shelters with hope of opening up space to help more. Details on the adoptathon may be found at mspca.org/feewaived.
Those who would like to donate to help the MSPCA’s Helene and Milton relief plans may do so at mspca.org/Helene.