Disaster Relief for Pets and the Food, Shelter and Love Program #HillsPet

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Science Diet for Cats, but Miss Molly Says only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Sometimes things happen that we don’t have a lot of control over. Not only do you human folks lose your homes but so do we pets. Bein’ animals, we don’t want what to do and have no way of helpin’ ourselves. Then there are always all my friends in the shelters waitin’ and hopin’ on forever homes like I got. Along with all that, food and care has to come from somewhere. I’m just a dog and don’t understand. I trust my Lady to take care of me. My Lady is right proud of Hill’s Pet Food, Shelter and Love Program along with their Disaster Relief for pets program. So with that, I’m gonna let her ya all about it!

My Lady says…

Helping animals in any way is extremely important to me. I would truly love to help everyone of them. There are so many animals in the shelters and then there are the lost and homeless. Then, when emergencies happen, it is truly a disaster for the animals left in it’s wake. Well, I am happy to be talking with you today about Hill’s Food, Shelter, and Love Program and their Disaster Relief Program. I am always proud to support and stand behind companies that are helping animals in need. The commitment from Hill’s Pet is making a difference in the lives of so many animals. From donations to helping during disasters, they are doing their part!

Hill’s Food, Shelter and Love Program

Hill’s Food, Shelter and Love Program mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. They believe that through adoption, you are providing a shelter pet with a chance at love and a forever home. The goal of the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love Program is simply to provide dogs and cats with superior nutrition that will make them healthier and happier. After all, a healthy pet makes a more adoptable pet! Hills Science Diet, along with shelter staff and volunteers, all play a vital role in helping pets find forever homes.

When a pet is adopted, the Program also provides a free bag of Science Diet® pet food or a $5 off coupon to the pet parent for each adoption to further ensure a smooth and easy transition for pets to their new home! If you are a new pet parent be sure and check out Hills New Pet Parent Site for tips and information on your new furry friend!

Since 2002, Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program has donated more than $240 million worth of Hill’s Science Diet brand foods to nearly 1,000 shelters nationwide and helped more than 7 million pets find new homes. Every day, the program helps feed more than 100,000 homeless pets across the country.

Hill’s Disaster Relief for Pets Program

The Hill’s Disaster Relief Program for pets was established through the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program. The pet Disaster Relief program will enable Hill’s to quickly deploy pet food resources in case of an emergency. The Network consists of nearly 100 participating shelters across the country that Hill’s can work with to distribute emergency food supplies to the pets who need it most.

During natural disasters, Hill’s has responded with needed emergency resources. Hill’s has been there to provide assistance to shelters during Hurricanes Sandy, Isaac and Katrina, the Waldo Canyon wildfire near Colorado Springs, the tornadoes in Joplin, MO, and the tsunami in Japan. Hill’s also joined forces with the American Veterinary Medical Foundation in 2010 to support more than 90 veterinary shelters and clinics along the Gulf Coast struggling to respond to a record number of pets in need, whose owners were unable to provide needed pet food and medical care in the wake of the Gulf Coast oil spill.

In the event of a natural disaster, we all want our pets to be safe. Dr. Dan Aja, Director of U.S. Professional and Veterinary Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, has advised pet owners to be prepared before the emergency arises.

Hills’ advises to take the following steps to be prepared for emergencies or evacuation situations:

• Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag, with updated contact information.

• Prepare an emergency box of pet supplies that is readily accessible in the event of an evacuation. Emergency kits should include: first aid supplies and guide book; a 3-day supply of pet food in a waterproof container and bottled water; a safety harness and leash; waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; a contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations; information on your pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues; comfort toys; and a blanket.

• Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include veterinarian’s contact information.

• Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area – keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be able to shelter pets. Scout hotels/motels with pet friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and/or your pet.

• If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate if possible for transport and safe-keeping.

• Carry a good picture of your pet with you in the event of separation during evacuation. Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house because pets may hide if they are scared. Finding them quickly will help you evacuate faster.

Have you thought about what you would do? What ways have you prepared for emergencies?