Winter Edition - Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County

ANIMAL CARE
& SHELTERING
One of Our Missions
While many of the Shelter’s supporters understand
the role that the Humane Society of Vero Beach
and Indian River County’s (HSVB&IRC) Animal
Care team plays in helping the animals of our community, it
is not uncommon for us to extend our efforts to aid animals
beyond the borders of our county.
Over the past 6 months, HSVB&IRC animal care staff
played a pivotal role in helping The American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and St. Lucie County
Animal Control respond to a case where over 150 animals were
found in neglectful conditions at a dilapidated facility run by
a rescue group. HSVB&IRC staff members donated their time
over a period of several days to help clean the facility until
arrangements could be made for the animals and worked with
the medical team to help assess and care for the animals on
site. Our Shelter took in 16 animals, many whom were sick and
needed months of care in order to be restored to full health.
Two members of our Animal Care team responded as volunteers
when a tornado devastated the city of Joplin, Missouri.
The city was leveled with disoriented, lost animals trying to
lies who’d lost everything but were hoping to be reunited with
their animal companions. Over the course of a week, our two
team members helped care for hundreds of Joplin animals. We
also assisted the Joplin Humane Society by photographing and
identifying the animals entering their shelter to make it easier
for families to reclaim their pets. The area was so devastated
was over an hour away in Miami, Oklahoma.
Why do we receive so many calls for assistance? The
answer is simple. Many organizations across the country know
that the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River
County’s Animal Care team has been thoroughly trained in
disaster response. We understand what needs to be done when
an emergency arises – and we know how to do it quickly and
Providing humane care and shelter for
homeless animals
Promoting spaying and neutering of
companion animals
as possible. We’ve also had our share of caring for animals after
both natural disasters and man-made disasters. Our mettle
has been tested repeatedly as our small team of 16 animal
care technicians has helped animals during many local crises:
Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne, the Noah’s Ark Springer spaniel
Although helping the animals at HSVB&IRC is a full-time,
365-day-a-year responsibility, it’s something that each and
every one of the staff is devoted to and takes very seriously.
HSVB&IRC receives between 6,000-7,000 animals annually,
and every animal entering through our Shelter’s doors receives
the very best care, thanks to the compassionate staff on our
Animal Care team.
Because of the support of our community and organizations
such as The ASPCA and The Humane Society of the United
States, we are able to share our expertise and lend a hand
to other organizations whose animals are also in need. With
the support and help from the community, we will continue to
make certain that the animals of Indian River County, and others
who need our help, receive the very best care possible.
HSVB&IRC would like to thank the American Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for supporting
our efforts by providing grants for our emergency response
effort in St. Lucie County, Florida and Joplin, Missouri as
well as for providing funds for a vaccination program.
JW
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