A Central and South Okanagan animal emergency agency based out of Penticton was called into action to help people and their animals affected by the devastating floods and historic rainfall that swept through B.C. on Sunday.
The Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) was activated alongside Emergency Support Services in Kelowna and Princeton to ensure people have what they need for their animals.
“We're just swamped,” Daryl Meyers, information officer with ALERT, said.
In just the past few days, ALERT stepped in to support almost 100 dogs and cats evacuated with their families from Merritt.
In Princeton, volunteers responded to the area with a load of supplies for 76 animals on their way to Manitoba who were stranded due to road closures.
“Finding space for 76 dogs was a huge feat but the team came together and all have been taken care of. Another team was able to develop an emergency plan to relocate 600 pigs,” their update reads.
ALERT expressed thanks to hotel and motel owners who have permitted people to stay with their pets.
The team has been working with the Animal Food Bank in supplying food that is being distributed to homes, foster homes, hotels and to evacuees at the reception centres.
“There have been many requests for us to find foster homes for animals and we are working to establish qualified homes.”
If you are interested in being a foster home, email info@alertcanada.org for more information.
ALERT is completely volunteer-run and relies on donations and grants to help keep it going. They also accept donations for pet food, kennels or other supplies to help care for the pets that have been displaced.
“All monetary donations now will be used for flood victims.”
If anyone would like to make a monetary donation or for more information on ALERT, visit their website ar www.alertcanada.org or e-transfer treasurer@alertcanada.org.
Donations of food can be directed to the Animal Food Bank at 250-860-4517 or www.animalfoodbank.org.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected and we thank everyone who is assisting people during this recent disaster.”
