San Diego Humane Society and SPCA Sends Animal Rescue Team to Texas

Highly-trained staff and volunteers depart San Diego to aid animals in need

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--San Diego Humane Society and SPCA:

What:	The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA has deployed a highly-trained and experienced team of Humane Society staff and Animal Rescue Reserve volunteers to support animal rescue and sheltering efforts in the regions affected by Hurricane Ike. The team of 12 includes eight rescue personnel, who are all FEMA certified, and four animal sheltering personnel. The team is totally self-sufficient, hauling its own food, water and fuel reserves. They will be reporting to the Houston SPCA in Texas and will be deployed into the Galveston area. The Galveston Island Humane Society was devastated by the storm, and a temporary shelter has been established. The team will help feed animals that are being sheltered in private homes, provide care at the temporary shelter and conduct search and rescue operations as needed.
	This team consists of members with training in animal rescue, water rescue, animal husbandry, behavior and handling, humane investigations and disaster response. They are expected to be on location between one and three weeks and may send additional teams as needed.
	The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA assists animals in need throughout the year, both in times of disaster and in everyday situations both locally and in communities beyond San Diego. In 2005, the San Diego Humane Society supported animal rescue and relief efforts in the Gulf Coast during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and in 2007, rescue and care efforts helped more than 10,000 animals affected by the Harris and Witch Creek Fires in San Diego County.
	If the public would like to make a donation to the San Diego Humane Society, gifts will not only help support our Hurricane Ike disaster relief efforts but will also provide ongoing support to Humane Society programs and help improve lives of animals both now and in the future. While we understand that public supporters are very generous, the San Diego Humane Society is not currently seeking donations of supplies specifically related to this event. The San Diego Humane Society will help keep the public informed of its relief efforts through regular updates posted to our website.
When:	Thursday, September 18, 8:30 a.m. - Team departed for the Galveston area.
Where:	The team departed from the San Diego Campus for Animal Care at 5500 Gaines Street in the Mission Valley / Linda Vista area.
Why:	As part of our mission to promote humane treatment to animals and to enhance the human-animal bond, the San Diego Humane Society is committed to supporting animal welfare organizations beyond the San Diego community. For so many people, pets are part of the family, and being able to keep all members of the family safe is vital to maintaining hope during times of crisis.