How to Help Animals Affected by the Earthquake in Japan

On the morning of Friday, March 11, the world was shocked and horrified after learning of an earthquake in Japan measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale. Yesterday scientists upgraded the quake's magnitude to a 9.0, which is 1.5 times as powerful. This makes earthquake event the fourth largest in the world, behind the 2004 9.1 quake in Sumatra. The quake and subsequent tsunami did horrendous damage to parts of Japan. The number of those missing remains undetermined. The loss of lives is now estimated to be as high as over 10,000. Meanwhile with dangerous levels of radiation unleashed into the atmosphere from crippled nuclear plants, hundreds of people have been forced to seal themselves into their homes, by orders of the Japanese government. The estimated financial loss is now thought by some experts to be in the billions. Rescue groups are working tirelessly to give aid to people affected by these catastrophic events, and we'd like to share a couple of organizations that are helping the animals whose lives have also been uprooted. World Vets is in the process of coordinating relief efforts. Working together with the US Army veterinary associates stationed in Japan, along with animal charities based there, World Vets volunteers remain on standby. Presently World Vets have supplies on hand and are getting ready to deploy their first-responder team, which will assess what help is needed and to offer initial assistance. Visit the World Vets Facebook page to keep informed. Since safety for team members is a primary concern, World Vets is not seeking field volunteers at this time. However financial donations to help coordinate their efforts are welcome. To donate, click here. Donations of veterinary medical supplies such as de-worming medicine, vaccines, wound care treatments, and fluid replacements are also urgently needed. These items should be shipped to: World Vets headquarters 802 1st Ave N Fargo ND 58102 Another wonderful group, Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support has formed a coalition of three organizations to help animals affected. Consisting of Animal Garden Nigata, Japan Cat Network and HEART-Tokushima, these groups have been rescuing and rehoming animals in Japan for many years. Their mission: Coordinate relief efforts for some earthquake/Tsunami animal rescues, provide shelter space and keep the public informed of what they are doing. Monetary and resource donations received will be used strictly to help animals. Follow them on their Facebook page to stay up-to-date. Please leave a comment listing the name and URL of other any other highly-recommended organizations. Image Source: World Vets