Zoetis is doing its part to help animals affected by the recent devastating flooding in Louisiana. This flooding is the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Superstorm Sandy, according to the Red Cross. To date, Zoetis has donated nearly $170K worth of product (fair value) to assist the animals in need.
Thousands in Need
Thousands of people have lost their homes. When people lose their homes, their companion animals do, too. Livestock animals are also affected as flood waters damaged farms and ranches. National and local animal welfare organizations are working to rescue, feed, and shelter these animals.
Rescuing More Animals Than Ever Before
Hurricane Katrina changed the way animals are treated during emergencies. After that natural disaster, U.S. Congress passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006. This federal law compels first responders to save pets just as they save people. According to rescuers on the ground, more animals have been saved in the Louisiana floods than during Hurricane Katrina. For example, the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has reported over 600 dogs and 200 cats being housed and cared for by its volunteers.
Zoetis is also doing its part by providing necessary medicines to the affected areas in different ways to meet different needs. Some of the ways we are providing donations are through:
- The flood relief efforts of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine.
The school is distributing medicines using a coalition of veterinary practices in affected area.
- Zoetis’ Territory Business Managers working closely with our local customers
Several veterinary hospitals have already received and administered Zoetis donations.
- Our Zoetis for Shelters partners
One of our Zoetis for Shelter partners, Zeus’ Rescues in New Orleans, has sheltered over 200 animals that were saved from the flood. The shelter and its volunteers are working tirelessly to find homes for these animals, and Zoetis has donated flea prevention/treatment products, as well as products used during procedures to spay or neuter the animals before adoption.
- Providing products for use in the disaster relief trucks deployed by the American Humane Association’s Red Star rescue team.
As of August 24, 17 boxes of supplies had arrived on the ground, with more scheduled this week.
- The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Zoetis donated point-of-care diagnostic tests.
Learn More
If you want to help, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine offers several ways to donate. See its Donate to Help Animals page to learn more. The Red Cross also has information about donations to help the people affected by the flooding.