Emergency Relief
PetSmart Charities provides emergency relief funding and supplies to assist pets in times of hurricanes, fire and other natural catastrophes. We also provide much-needed support for other emergencies, including pet hoarding and puppy mill rescues. 

In 2007, PetSmart Charities donated $300,000 in funding and supplies to animal welfare agencies to provide immediate help for pets affected by natural disasters and cruelty cases.

In March 2007, PetSmart Charities introduced its Emergency Relief Waggin'® program.  The program consists of six 53-foot semi-trailers pre-loaded with donated emergency supplies for pets.  Each trailer contains crates, bowls, leashes, collars, litter, food, tents, fans, a generator, and various other emergency-related items to provide care for up to 500 pets.  The trailers are strategically stationed at various PetSmart distribution centers throughout the U.S.  They can be ready for dispatch to the designated lead animal welfare agency responding to a disaster at any location in the continental U.S. as soon as transport logistics can be completed.

The program can be activated for natural or man-made disasters affecting 350 pets or more.  Program volunteers and supplies will be managed on site by the nonprofit organization, Healing HEART Sanctuary.

To Volunteer For the Emergency Relief Waggin' Program

If you are interested in volunteering for the Emergency Relief Waggin' program during a disaster, contact Laurel Ley with Healing HEART Sanctuary at LaurelLey@AnimalReliefResource.org.

To Request an Emergency Relief Waggin'

To request an Emergency Relief Waggin' for a natural disaster, hoarding or cruelty situation involving 350 pets or more, have the designated lead animal welfare agency responding to the disaster review the Emergency Relief Waggin' Program and Form and call our Manager of Emergency Grants, at 1-800-423-PETS ext. 2840.

To Request General Emergency Relief Assistance

If you are an animal welfare agency and would like to request emergency assistance please review the guidelines for our Disaster/Emergency Relief Programs or , call our Manager of Emergency Grants, at 1-800-423-PETS ext. 2840. PetSmart Charities does not provide emergency relief assistance to individuals.