The scale of the devastation in Japan is horrifying, and as rescue organizations from around the world rally to assist the recovery efforts, our thoughts and prayers go out to the people and animals affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
The organizations below specifically help with animal rescue efforts in the affected areas.
World Vets is a non-government organization (NGO) providing veterinary aid around the globe in collaboration with animal advocacy groups, foreign governments, US and foreign military groups and veterinary professionals abroad. They are getting supplies and a first responder team ready to deploy to Japan.
March 15 update: World Vets is also accepting donations of veterinary supplies and medications at their Fargo, ND headquarters.
The American Humane Association’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services Team is monitoring the situation closely and is reaching out to its international partners in order to provide a joint response to this global emergency.
The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation has deployed search and rescue teams to Japan.
The Animal Refuge Kansai is an organization in Kansai, Japan, that is preparing for a huge influx of animals from the disaster areas.
Japan Cat Network, together with Heart Tokushima and Animal Friends Niigata has formed Japan Animal Rescue and Support. They are providing frequent updates of rescue efforts on their Facebook page.
March 15 update: they’ve posted a wish list of items for in country donations, but ask that you contact them before shipping anything from overseas.
Please note that the donation links for the organizations in Japan take you to the Japanese language version of PayPal. Once you enter the amount of your donation in Japanese yen (4000 yen is roughly $50 US), and enter your PayPal login information, it takes you to an English PayPal page and you can complete the donation.
The Animal Miracle Network Foundation is collecting cell phones to send to volunteers helping animals in Japan.
March 17 update: The Huffington Post posted some photos and more information about some of the organizations listed above in this article.
As we’re mourning the loss of life with Japan’s citizens, and praying for those who’ve lost so much, cat lovers around the world are also wondering about the fate of the cats of Japan’s Cat Island. Sadly, it is believed that the island became fully submerged during the tsunami.
March 13 update: see Paula’s comments below for the latest on Cat Island.
March 14 update: the NASA photo Paula referenced in her comment, and additional updates on the Pet Captain’s blog.
March 15 update: Yet another hopeful update about Cat Island on The Cat’s Meow from Betty: “My brother’s wife is Japanese and she knows a girl whose parents live in the Cat Island and they were able to get in touch with them. They said that the island sank around 30 centimeters in the water and there was some damage to property, but cats and people are ok! They need help, of course, but the Island is still there.”
March 20 Updates: Japan’s Cat Island is safe
Photo of kitten from Petcaptain.com, photo of man holding dog from World Vets Facebook page, photo of Cat Island from tofugu.com
I just heard today that in 72 hours, animals that were rescued in Japan will be euthanized. Do you know anything about it?
I am really concerned about it.
There is even a petition circulating on the internet.
Please reply if you heard anything on this matter.
Thank you.
Eliana
Eliana, that is not true. This is what Japan Earthaquake Animal Rescue and Suppoprt posted on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/note.php?note_id=209237672422068
“The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation has deployed search and rescue teams to Japan.”
not true. All they do is take your money and spin a good story. Please send your moeny where it will actually help animals in need. For more info on NDSDF please see this very informative blog post:
http://cynography.blogspot.com/2011/03/nine-questions-i-would-ask.html
Thank you for your comment and the link, Jan. I consider Heather Houlahan, the author of the blog you link to, a trusted and reputable source. NDSDF states on their website that they have deployed teams to Japan. I’ll let my readers make up their own minds based on the information provided by both sources.
Any updates on how things are going over there?
Barbarella, I added an update about Cat Island last night, here’s the link: http://consciouscat.net/2011/03/20/japans-cat-island-is-safe/
Also, lots of updates on the JEARS Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/Japan-Earthquake-Animal-Rescue-and-Support/207835229228979 and on the World Vets Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/WorldVets
I have seen reports that Japans ‘cat island’ survived the quake and tsunami. Who is telling the truth here??
Julia, if you look at the updates posted March 13, 14, and 15, it looks like Cat Island is okay (or as okay as anything in that area is right now).
can you tell me how i donate money to japan cat network
thanks
Karen, if you click through on the link for Japan Cat Network, it should take you to a PayPal donation page.
I wanna help
we should help the people and rescue the animal as soon as possible but people should be careful about the harmful effect of nuclear radiation .
Sk, please see the post I wrote about radiation concerns today: http://consciouscat.net/2011/03/17/radiation-concerns-and-your-pets/
thanks Ingrid,
actually i am a student of veterinary medicine and that’s why i always think about the animal specially pet animal.
”Radiation concerns and your pets” your article is really helpful.
Sk, I just updated that post with a link to an article posted by the VIN News Service.
i am a highschool junior and i am wanting to go to college to take classes to be a veterinarian. i love to help animals and would very much love to be able to help the animals in Japan, but i have no money..
sorry~i think i understand… i saw the link of those org.
pero que podemos hacer??
Pg, I’m sorry I don’t speak Spanish, but according to Google Translator, you’re asking what we can do? I think at this stage, donating money to any of these organizations is the most effective way we can help.
Google translates this to: Lo siento no hablo español, pero según Google Traductor, que está pidiendo lo que podemos hacer? Creo que en esta etapa, la donación de dinero a cualquiera de estas organizaciones es la forma más eficaz que puede ayudar.
sorry, so u mean we can donate through this website?? thanks for ur respond,God Bless Japan
I love cats., and the ones in Japan are so p-recious., I just wanted to say, love them so much. May god be with them, and no animals be hurt.
Hola pg, hay enlaces en esta misma página arriba para Animal Refuge Kansai, Japan Cat Network y otros, dónde puedes ir y hacer una donación via PayPal… espero esto ayuda.
Thanks, Barbarella!
De nada! 🙂 (My pleasure)
Los animales son los menos protegidos y necesitan mucha ayuda .
Es tan cierto, Maria. (I think I have that right – that is so true?)
Maria’s comment translates to: The animals are the least protected and need lots of help.