Sarasota, Fla. (December 12, 2017) – As part of Cat Depot’s ongoing emergency response efforts and at the request of the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), Cat Depot received ten (10) cats and kittens displaced by Hurricane Maria in St. Croix on November 30, 2017.
Ranging in age from eight months to five years, the cats and kittens named after marine life surrounding their island home, are now available for adoption at Cat Depot’s adoption center. Like all cats available for adoption at Cat Depot, the rescued animals received full veterinary exams and vaccinations, and have been spayed/neutered. For more information on adopting or visiting, please call (941) 366-2404.
Cat Depot’s Emergency Response Team (CDERT) has responded to both natural and manmade disasters annually since its inception in 2011. Currently, Cat Depot serves as an emergency response training center for the Florida State Animal Response Coalition, a FEMA-approved organization.
CDERT members arrived in Fort Lauderdale to meet the cats and kittens following their five-hour flight from St. Croix. Once loaded into Cat Depot’s rescue vehicle, they began their journey across the state.
“Cat Depot’s Emergency Response Team plays a vital role not only for our community’s animals but for animals in need nationwide,” said Claudia Harden, director of communications at Cat Depot. “We are thankful to our rescue partners, such as the ASPCA, for their work in making animals’ lives matter before, during, and after disasters.” Harden continued, “Our joint efforts are rewarded when a rescued animal finds its forever home.”
The ASPCA in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team and Wings of Rescue transported a total of 95 cats and dogs from the ASPCA’s emergency shelter in St. Croix, and placed them with animal shelters, including Cat Depot, Charleston Animal Society, Halifax Humane Society, and the Osceola Animal Shelter.
“Relocating animals displaced by the storm gives them an opportunity to move on to the next chapter of their lives while we continue to support local agencies by providing daily care for rescued animals and helping pet owners in need,” said Jessica Rushin, partnerships senior manager for ASPCA Field Investigations & Response. “The ASPCA is grateful to work with response partners, including Cat Depot, to make this life-saving effort possible so these animals will have a chance to find safe and loving homes.”
About Cat Depot
Cat Depot, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) free-roaming feline rescue facility, is recognized for its progressive design and commitment to helping homeless, abandoned and injured animals. Cat Depot’s mission is to save lives, find loving homes, and provide the resources and education needed to improve the destiny of homeless cats. Cat Depot supports more than 130 cats and kittens on any given day. Open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Handicap accessible. Cat Depot is located at 2542 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234. For more information, visit www.catdepot.org, or call (941) 366-2404.
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