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Soft Paws: Displaced pets during disasters

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By Guest Columnist Aaron Clause

For Capital Region Independent Media

Sweet Pea, pictured with CGHS/SPCA Animal Care Technician Sarah Ozmon, is a 3.5-year-old Domestic Shorthair who was surrendered to us when her owner could no longer care for her. She’s a little shy at first, but opens up very quickly. She’s often found basking in the sun by the window. She seems to get along with other cats well, but we’re unsure if she likes dogs. Contributed photo

Charlene put out an APB to me regarding the need for readiness and preparation in the wake of the animal shelters being inundated with homeless pets in the aftermath of the devastating fires in Pasadena, California. I agree with her – the heartbreaking reality of displaced pets from disasters is becoming ever more evident.

As families flee their homes, many are forced to make difficult decisions about their beloved animals. Shelters in and around the affected areas are overwhelmed, straining to find temporary sanctuary for dogs and cats that have nowhere else to go.

At our shelter, we’ve been working tirelessly to ensure we can assist homeless animals in our own community, of course… however, during emergencies like the California tragedy, our ability to help depends on one critical factor: space. Empty cages mean we can step in to provide sanctuary to animals in danger if and when needed, whether they’re lost, abandoned, or temporarily separated from their owners due to evacuation.

This isn’t a new challenge for our shelter or others like ours. Throughout our history, we’ve stepped up to help shelters in disaster zones fulfill their commitment to protecting homeless pets. From floods to hurricanes and now wildfires, we’ve learned that being prepared is essential. It’s not only about housing pets, but also about ensuring that there’s a robust network of humane societies and shelters that can rise to the occasion together.

Natural disasters leave behind uncertainty—not just for people, but also for their pets. Dogs and cats often become victims of chaotic evacuations, fleeing flames, waters and winds only to end up lost or injured. Shelters in high-risk areas are often inundated with animals, struggling to balance the immediate influx with their existing populations.

This is where shelters like ours can play a crucial role. By accepting animals displaced by disasters, we can ease the burden on shelters in danger zones. We give them room to focus on providing immediate relief and rescue while ensuring the animals already in their care are not overlooked. Sometimes just knowing that space is available if necessary is an enormous relief.

But this system only works if shelters like ours have space to spare.

Right now, we are asking for your help. Every adoption opens up one more space for the next potential victim of disaster. By welcoming a pet into your home, you’re doing more than changing that animal’s life—you’re directly contributing to our ability to save another. It’s a rewarding experience that allows you to play an active role in not just one, but many pets’ journeys toward their forever homes.

CGHS/SPCA President/CEO Ron Perez, with over 25 years of experience at our Hudson shelter, including handling local and distant crisis situations, sums it up perfectly: “Adopting isn’t just about finding your next furry friend; it’s about creating a ripple effect. One empty cage here means one more animal saved from the chaos out there. It’s a small act of love that makes a huge difference.”

Every time a disaster strikes, we are reminded of the importance of community. When shelters network and share resources, lives are saved. But the foundation of that network is people like you. Your decision to adopt, or even spread the word about the need for help, is what enables us to respond when the need arises.

As we continue to monitor the situation in Pasadena, our goal remains clear: to provide as much support and prayer as possible to the animals affected by these fires. But we cannot do it alone. Please, consider adopting today. Together, we can create the space needed to offer sanctuary to the next dog or cat that finds themselves in harm’s way.

With your help, we can ensure that every animal displaced by disaster has a safe place to land and the chance for a brighter future.

CGHS/SPCA wants to help you take that next step – the adoption fees for ALL animals in our shelter will be waived from Jan. 25 to Feb. 28. That means all approved homes will be able to take their perfect companion home free of charge.

Visit our shelter or contact us at 518-828-6044 to learn more. One adoption, one more space, one act of kindness—it all starts with you.

Guest columnist Aaron Clause is the administrative assistant at the Columbia-Greene Humane Society in Hudson, NY.

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