Helping Pets When Natural Disaster Strikes
When Hurricane Helene left Florida’s central Gulf Coast with unprecedented flooding and high wind damage, Petland immediately reached out to its friends at Tampa Bay SPCA to assess their needs for service and recovery. Within days, Petland delivered 1,300 pounds of pet food to the shelter that stocked up its “pop-up pantry” that mobilized to get pet food and other supplies out for distribution.
“There are many families and animals that need help,” said Martha Boden, CEO, Tampa Bay SPCA. “Thank you, Petland, for being a part of their support network.”
Then less than two weeks later, the Tampa Bay area took another direct hit from Hurricane Milton. Petland staged an additional 2,600 pounds of pet food in nearby Georgia before that storm came ashore. The food arrived at Tampa Bay SPCA headquarters near Largo, FL within days and was immediately added to the continued outreach for the region’s pet population. Petland also sent dog crates of various sizes to help the shelter house the new influx of pets they were receiving.
Tampa Bay SPCA volunteers prepare smaller bags of Petland's Heartland Naturals dog food donated through the company's hurricane relief efforts in Florida. (Photos courtesy: Tampa Bay SPCA)
Tampa Bay residents affected by recent hurricanes visit Tampa Bay SPCA "pop-up pantry" to get pet food for dogs and cats. (Photo courtesy: Tampa Bay SPCA)