Alberta Wildfire Evacuees - How to Use HomeSafe

Anyone evacuated due to the Fort McMurray wildfire can receive a lifetime subscription to HomeSafeTM for their pets.

Organizations and individuals who find animals can post them on HomeSafeTM as well - creating a centralized lost and found database for all animals displaced by the fire.

If everyone uses the system, there will be no need to search multiple websites and pages for lost pets. The system is automated so while rescuers are searching for pets and evacuees are rebuilding their day-to-day lives, it is matching lost and found pet reports.

This should simplify the process of reuniting animals with their owners and reduce the stress of the evacuees during such a terrible time.

Evacuees who escaped with their pets are also eligible. During displacement and times of stress, it’s easy for animals to get lost. A subscription provides protection in case that happens.

This complimentary service is available thanks to Pets Plus Us and HomeSafeTM.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Evacuees:
Your code is PPU-FIRE-YMM

P&G Expands Partnership with the American Red Cross Through the Disaster Responder Program

Procter & Gamble is expanding its partnership with the American Red Cross by joining the Disaster Responder Program to support Red Cross disaster response work nationwide. 

Joining the American Red Cross as an official Disaster Responder represents a milestone in P&G's commitment to bring the comforts of home to families impacted by natural disasters. For decades, P&G has responded to disasters all over the world through product and cash donations. Recently, the company has scaled its efforts to provide kits of a dozen P&G brands including Secret®, Gillette®, Ivory® and Iams®. Kits are packed by P&G employees then shared with families in the days after disasters through mobile relief units. 

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ASPCA pushes for continuation of AWA Contingency Regulation

The ASPCA is pleading with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue enforcing its Animal Welfare Act (AWA) Contingency Regulation which moves to protect animals during disasters. 

Introduced in January 2013, the regulation requires all facilities licensed under the federal Animal Welfare Act - including breeders, zoos, research facilities, dealers and other exhibitors and intermediate handlers - to prepare emergency plans for protecting and caring for animals during disasters. 

Effective 31 July 2013, the USDA announced "a stay of the Contingency plan regulation in order to give the agency additional time to determine the best course of action. The stay will remain in place until the best course of action is determined and will apply to all regulated entities."

With hurricane season underway and Katrina and Sandy still fresh on the minds of many Americans, the ASPCA insists preparedness should top the agendas of animal caretakers and policy makers. 

The ASPCA has issued and Action Alert and urges concerned citizens and organizations to contact USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. A drafted response to the USDA is available on the ASPCA website.