News Press Releases

VCA Animal Hospitals Offers Free Boarding for Pets Affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas

WOOF | August 31, 2017

VCA Charities and its partners raise money for disaster relief to help pets in need

VCA Animal Hospitals announced that select VCA hospitals in Southeast Texas are offering free boarding assistance for small animals, including dogs, cats, birds and pocket pets, to families who are impacted by Hurricane Harvey’s severe rain and flooding that brought nearly 50 inches of water to parts of the state. The disaster displaced 30,000 people and impacted 50 counties in Texas, with more rain expected.

“Our thoughts are with the many families who are being impacted by this devastating hurricane and severe flooding,” said Art Antin, Chief Operating Officer of VCA Animal Hospitals. “We are extending free boarding for family pets that have been displaced so families can be assured their pets are safe and be able to focus on managing their priorities during this critical time.”

Boarding assistance is based on space availability at three Houston VCA hospitals, as well as in hospitals in the surrounding cities of Dallas, San Antonio and New Orleans to help pets in need. Pets should be current on vaccinations, but in case they are not, VCA veterinarians will update vaccinations free of charge. VCA Hospitals will also offer a free health assessment exam for pets that have been displaced due to the hurricane. Pet owners are encouraged to contact the American Red Cross or visit www.vcahospitals.com/main/directory or call 1-800-VCAPETS to check availability for boarding assistance.

“We are working closely with local partners and organizations, including the SPCA of Texas, to make sure that the large number of affected pets have a safe place to go and to organize a disaster relief effort with VCA Charities,” said Brandon Antin, VCA VP of Social Responsibility & Innovation. “Starting today through the end of September, all donations received via the Pennies for Pets program will go directly to the relief efforts in Texas. Together, we will try to help as many families and pets as possible.”

About VCA Animal Hospitals

VCA Animal Hospitals operates more than 650 small animal veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada. The hospitals are staffed by more than 4,500 fully qualified, dedicated and compassionate veterinarians to give pets the very best in medical care, of which over 500 are board-certified specialists who are experts in areas such as Oncology, Cardiology, Emergency & Critical Care, and Surgery for animals. VCA Animal Hospitals provides a full range of general practice services to keep pets well and specialized treatments when pets are ill. For more information, please visit www.VCAhospitals.com or follow on Twitter @vcapethealth.

About VCA Charities

VCA Charities is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to end medically unnecessary euthanasia. Established in 2005 by the founders of VCA Animal Hospitals, VCA Charities has helped feed thousands of pets, provided free medical treatment, and donated time and money to pet charities globally. Please visit the VCA Charities website and blog to find out the most up-to-date information about VCA Charities and its programs at www.VCAcharities.org.