Hurricane Sandy Victims Need Your Help

Hurricane Sandy recently devastated the East coast. Many people have lost homes, possessions, pets, power, and more. There are many homeless animals since the storm. Animal shelters and rescue organizations are in need of the support of others to help out all of the lost and injured pets from hurricane Sandy.

If you're like me, you may be wondering how you can help.You may live far away from the damage inflicted areas or have no money to donate. So, what can you do? I've come up with a list of organizations in need of assistance and other helpful resources.

Chincoteague ponies grazing in the Lighthouse Trail parking lot after Hurricane Sandy. Photo Credit: USFWS

Get Involved With Your Community

If you do happen to live in the area damaged by the hurricane, you may have more options to help out. Volunteer for a shelter in need. Maybe you can put some food out for feral and homeless cats that you see in the neighborhood or even provide them with a shelter. You could donate towels, blankets, food, litter, toys, or any other pet items your local shelter needs.

Staff Sgt. Jessica Reichner, of the NJ National Guard's E Co. 250th Brigade Support Battalion helps load residents of Long Beach Island and their pets onto a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Bill Addison/Released)

Donate to Charities Online

If you don't live close enough to volunteer, you can always donate to good causes over the internet or phone. Even if your donation is small, every little bit can help. Here is a list of a few organizations that are raising money for the animals affected by Sandy.

• PetSmart Charities Emergency Relief program - Petsmart supplies rescue groups with items like crates, bowls, food, litter, leashes, and more during times of emergency. 
• ASPCA - This organization is assisting in the rescue of thousands of lost and injured animals affected by Sandy.
• The Humane Society of the United States - The HSUS has been dispatched to disaster zones and is assisting injured animals there. 
• AKC CAR Canine Support & Relief Fund - The AKC is funding search and rescue animals, veterinarians, and non-profit animal shelters.

There are so many more organizations out there that you can donate to as well, just make sure you select one that is reputable.

How to Help If You Don't Have Money to Donate

What if you can't afford to donate to these charities? No worries, there are other ways that you can help animals in need.

Do you have a blog, Facebook community page, or Twitter account? Join the Blogger Disaster Response Network and help spread the word when disaster strikes. In times of need, bloggers and microbloggers can spread the word to others about how to help. Learn more and sign up here.

If you don't have a blog, that's OK. You can visit www.freekibble.com and earn 10 pieces of kibble for a hungry dog once a day. It takes less than 30 seconds and one click of your mouse... that's it! There are no strings attached! You can also feed cats at www.freekibblekat.com.

With a little help from everyone, we can make a big difference in the lives of many animals and their families.

Original image URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alecperkins/8143769476/

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