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****Note from 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com: The situtation on the ground changes frequently, but this is our most up to date information as of today.
Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering in New Orleans
The most up to date information available can be seen at
www.AnimalRescueNeworleans.comDo I need to have prior experience in rescue?
While animal control and veterinary professionals are needed, there are plenty of opportunities for someone with minimal or no experience to help! You don’t need any experience to give pets life-saving food and water, or to help the shelter process the many pets being brought into the shelter by emergency rescuers. The nature of this crisis dictates that ANY and ALL help is needed and valuable. You DO need to be at least 18 years old to volunteer.
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When should I come and how long should I stay?
Come now! Help is needed immediately. You can stay as long as you are able to, but even helping for two or three days is a huge contribution.
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Do I need to RSVP or let anyone know I’m coming?
No! Just get here!
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Where should I go?
Fly or drive to New orleans, and come to the Southern Animal Foundation for our 7:30 AM daily meeting. The address is 1823 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130. There you will be given instructions on what to do during the day.
There is also a dire need for volunteers at the makeshift shelter operating out of the Winn-Dixie parking lot in New Orleans. This shelter has slightly different criteria for volunteers, so click HERE for more information.
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Where will I sleep? Where will I eat? Will I be able to shower?
It's an adventure. Expect to camp out or even stay in your car if need be. We have local people who are coming home and you might end up staying with one of them and you can find showers at various places. Food is available for purchase as nearby the city, businesses are open.
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What will I be doing?
There are two broad job categories.
1. You can assist in the care of the animals at one of the local makesift shelters by feeding, walking, cleaning, giving love, and assisting in intake or rescued pets.
2. You can get a little basic training and join the teams of people going into New Orleans to find, feed, and rescue starving and stranded animals. You will need a vehicle for this work. Professional animal control workers or animal handlers are desperately needed!
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What should I bring?
Bring anything you might bring for camping: a sleeping bag (and tent, if you want to camp out), clothing you can layer, a towel, flashlight, etc.
If you’re going to be participating in the rescue/recovery/feeding efforts in New Orleans, helpful items to bring include:
*Thick gloves
*Hat
*Long pants
*Sturdy shoes (strongly suggest rubber boots)
*Flashlight
*Crowbar
*Walkie talkies are always helpful
*Face masks
The boots, gloves, and masks are very important—there is a thick layer of toxic sludge covering everything, and you will be wading through it. You don’t want to be breathing the air without a mask! There is broken glass and slippery mud and other hazardous conditions, so please make sure you’re protected!
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Do I need shots before I come?
Please check with your doctor and make sure you receive whatever vaccinations he/she suggests before you come.
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Is 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com sponsoring this volunteer effort? Will my costs be covered?
1-800-Save-A-Pet.com is not sponsoring this effort, and we can not accept responsibility for or guarantee your safety. Please know that we are all working together here and every volunteer is responsible for their own safety and for covering their own costs.
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Is it dangerous?
Yes, there is an element of danger. The conditions within the city are horrible—everything is destroyed and there is broken glass and toxic sludge everywhere. There may also be some aggressive animals. That said, there are lots of people here, men and women, from all walks of life and we’re all doing just fine. You just need to be smart and careful.
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