Emergency Relief

Read about our relief efforts with the California Wildfires

Read about other Emergency Relief in Action

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, we donated more than $670,000 in funding and supplies to animal welfare agencies to provide immediate help for pets affected by natural disasters and cruelty cases.

In addition, PetSmart Charities is providing support to the North Carolina State Animal Response Team (NC SART) in its efforts to assist other states to establish thier own SART's.  SART is a collaboration of interagency state organizations and private animal interests dedicated to the common goal of animal welfare during disasters. SART's trained volunteers have coordinated animal emergency response and recovery efforts across the country, utilizing federal, state and local resources. In addition to response, SART also provides guidelines and assistance for disaster prevention, preparation and business continuity.

> Read our press release announcing this multi-year grant

> View a map of SART states

To Request General Emergency Relief Assistance

If you are an animal welfare agency and would like to request emergency assistance, call our Manager of Emergency Grants, at 1-800-423-PETS ext. 2840. PetSmart Charities does not provide emergency relief assistance to individuals.

Emergency Relief Waggin'®

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. within 48-72 hours of an approved request.

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 call our Manager of Emergency Grants, at 1-800-423-PETS ext. 2840.