A disaster response team from OHS is deploying to help pets stranded by Hurricane Harvey. The team, consisting of four people—two staff members and two volunteers—is set to deploy to Texas this Wednesday. This is expected to be the first of multiple OHS teams traveling to Texas to provide assistance.
Team members, who are certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and experienced in the day-to-day operation of emergency shelters, will be assisting with caring for animals at a facility located in the Houston area. The first team will work at this facility for seven days. Update 8/31: As we receive updates from our team in Houston, OHS will share them here—photos and updates from Houston »
“Natural disasters of this scale can leave thousands of animals without homes and will easily overwhelm the ability of local shelters to care for pets,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS President and CEO. This first OHS team will work directly with the Houston SPCA to assist with their efforts to house and care for the animals. Watch an interview with Sherry Adams, a member of the OHS team, on KGW News here »
OHS has an experienced group of staff and volunteers who respond to emergency situations across the country. In the last few years, team members have deployed to help animals affected by Hurricane Sandy and the tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri and Moore, Oklahoma. During Hurricane Katrina, OHS team members spent several weeks in the disaster zone rescuing pets, and brought more than 100 abandoned animals to OHS for adoption.
The nonprofit OHS is not affiliated with any national or regional animal organization and receives no tax dollars to support its work.
To support all of the efforts of OHS, please donate here »
More Information, Resources, News Stories
- Find more information about the Houston SPCA on their website here »
- Watch/read an interview with OHS team member, Sherry Adams, on KGW News »
- OHS is sharing updates received from our disaster response team here—photos and updates from Houston »
- Additional ways to help with disaster relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Harvey (CBS News) »
- List of resources and ways to help with relief efforts in Texas (ABC News) »
