Arkansas Animal Shelters Struggle Under the Weight of Lost Pets After Devastating Tornadoes
Nights like May 26 will be etched in the memories of Arkansans for a long time. The devastating storms left in their wake a trail of destruction, killing at least eight people and leaving countless homes ruined. Bastions of hope and care, local animal shelters, now face a daunting task in their efforts to reconnect the lost pets with their families.
Microchip Scanning Stations Ease the Burden
Enter self-serve microchip scanning stations like the one on Dixieland Road in Rogers. Here, rescuers can scan pets for microchips, making it easier to find the original owners. The presence of these scanners alleviates some pressure on the local shelters as they work tirelessly to process the influx of lost pets.
Local Shelters Overwhelmed but Ready to Help
Locally-owned and operated shelters are doing their best to absorb the impact, but they are operating at overcapacity. These shelters, different from city-run operations that tend to focus on strays found within their municipalities, are crucial in taking in strays from a broader area. However, there are specific protocol to follow. For instance, if you take in a stray, it becomes yours legally after three days should you decide to bring it to a shelter.
Regional Support A Critical Resource
Communities are stepping up to support their neighbors. Organizations like Big Paws of the Ozarks, that offers training and foster services, are proving crucial in guiding rescuers and providing the necessary infrastructure to get everything running smoothly. Big Paws advises caution when dealing with unfamiliar animals and points out the importance of choosing the correct local resources to contact depending on the location.
Phonebook of Hope
In the face of such devastation, knowing where to reach out can be the difference between life and death. Communities are reinforcing this support structure by providing a comprehensive list of local animal services to call for help. Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Van Buren, and Siloam Springs all have dedicated numbers for those who stumble upon a lost pet.
- Bentonville Animal Services: (479) 254-2055
- Rogers Animal Services: (479) 621-1197
- Springdale Animal Services: (479) 750-8166
- Fayetteville Animal Services: (479) 444-3456
- Fayetteville Police Department: (479) 587-3555 (after business hours)
- Fort Smith Animal Haven: (479) 551-2221
- Kitties and Kanines Pet Resource Center: (479) 434-4740
- Van Buren Almost Home Shelter: (479) 414-3781
- Alma Animal Clinic: (479) 430-7280
- Siloam Springs Animal Shelter: (479) 524-6536
The storm might have passed, but the journey is far from over. It is now up to the resilience of these local communities to heal and rebuild, one lost pet at a time.
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