Rescue workers pull a small dog from rubble in the wake of Japan's earthquake and tsunami. Photo: Associated Press.
And this is from the Conscious Cat website:
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.
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.”
I'm avoiding watching tv. For me it is unbearable to see all this tragedy and see so many people suffering. 