Press Release: 2024-10-14

MSPCA-Angell Helps Establish Mobile Veterinary Clinic in North Carolina Following Devastating Hurricane Helene Damage

 



Posted on Oct, 11, 2024 by Sara-Rose Brenner



Organization Also Ready to Transport Animals and Send Personnel to Aide in Hurricane Milton Recovery



BOSTON, Oct. 11, 2024 – The MSPCA-Angell is sending several staff members to North Carolina this week to provide much-needed care to animals impacted by Hurricane Helene. During the week-long trip, the group will also establish a mobile veterinary clinic that will allow for continued care after the Massachusetts-based staff return home.



“There are many needs in North Carolina right now—from getting animals veterinary care to bringing some out-of-state to find new homes to getting supplies to those stuck in their homes—and through our Natural Disaster Relief program, we’re able to help with it all,” explained Mike Keiley, vice president of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division.



Two members of the MSPCA’s Community Outreach team traveled to Pennsylvania on Thursday, October 10, where they picked up a mobile veterinary vehicle to drive to North Carolina and meet up with additional MSPCA staff—two veterinarians, two veterinary technicians, and an additional Community Outreach team member—the following day. The veterinarians were granted emergency licenses allowing them to work in the state.



The operation is a collaboration between the MSPCA-Angell, Best Friends Animal Society (Best Friends), and three North Carolina shelters—Brother Wolf Animal Rescue(Brother Wolf), Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue (HFAR) and Yancey County Humane Society (Yancey County). It will start at HFAR in Rutherford County before traveling to Yancey County. All veterinary hospitals in both areas are currently closed, and Yancey County still has no power or water because of the storm.



“Our team’s goal is to get the mobile clinic up and running, and then set up some procedures and processes that will allow for other veterinary staff to volunteer from anywhere in the country and seamlessly jump in to help,” Keiley elaborated. “We’ll also be delivering much needed supplies to people in the area.”



The MSPCA-Angell’s team is expected to return from North Carolina around October 18, but, according to Keiley, some may soon be on the road again to assist with disaster recovery elsewhere in the country.



“Ready and Waiting” to Provide Milton Assistance 



“Given how close these two storms [Helene and Milton] were, many animals in Florida have already been evacuated, which is fortunate,” explained Keiley, noting that the MSPCA-Angell took in a transport of 16 cats from Pasco County Animal Services on October 2 and sent staff there to assist.



“Right now, we’re in touch with our partners in Florida and standing by, ready to help however we can as they make recovery plans.”



“But, in order for us to do that, we definitely need some support from our local community,” he added.



The MSPCA adopted out 143 cats during the Purranormal Cativity adoption event October 1 – October 4, something Keiley says has allowed the organization to step up its relief efforts, which also included bringing in 10 dogs and 24 cats from Brother Wolf on October 5.



“The success of our Natural Disaster Relief program hinges a lot on us having the space and resources we need to help,” said Keiley. “The community heard our need recently, and we’re hoping they’ll be here for us again now.”



Those who would like to donate to help the MSPCA’s Helene and Milton relief plans may do so at mspca.org/Helene.



Muttster Mash: An Adoption Smash!



“The more animals we’re able to rehome, the more we’ll be able to help in the aftermath of both Helene and Milton,” Keiley explained. “So, our next adoption event really couldn’t be coming at a better time.”



During the event—called “Muttster Mash: An Adoption Smash!” in honor of Halloween—fees will be waived for all dogs aged one and older. It will take place during open hours in Salem, Boston, Methuen, and Centerville on Cape Cod, which vary by location:





Adoption fees are being subsidized by several local Subaru dealerships—CitySide Subaru, Copeland Subaru Hyannis, North Reading Subaru, Autofair Subaru, Subaru of Wakefield, and Atlantic Subaru.



More information on the adoptathon may be found at mspca.org/feewaived.