#HillsPet Food, Shelter and Love Program & the Disaster Relief Network

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons

There are countless numbers of pet brands out there vying for the money pet parent consumers spend on their fur babies. One thing I take into consideration when choosing to support a company is whether or not they go the extra mile to be advocates for animals in need. That's why I'm happy to spread the word about the Hill's Food, Shelter and Love Program & their Disaster Relief Network.

Food, Shelter and Love Program

Since 2002, the Hill's Food, Shelter and Love Program has donated over $240 million worth of Science Diet brand foods to nearly 1,000 animal shelters nationwide. It has helped over 7 million pets find new homes, and helps to feed more than 100,000 homeless pets everyday. This food is provided to every shelter in the program at a significant discount. The program also provides a free bag of Science Diet pet food or a $5 off coupon to new pet parents for each adoption to further ensure a smooth and easy transition for pets to their new home. A New Pet Parent website provides tips and tools for adopters to give their new pet the best start in life.

Hill's correctly believes that when you adopt, you provide a shelter pet with another chance at finding love and a forever home. Healthy pets are more adoptable pets. Superior nutrition improves overall health, and along with expert care from shelter staff and volunteers, Hill's Science Diet plays a vital role in the ability of shelters to help pets find their forever home.

Disaster Relief Network

If you're anything like me, whenever I hear news of a natural disaster somewhere around the world, my thoughts first turn to the animals that are going to be effected. Who will protect the most innocent of victims?

Through the Food, Shelter and Love program, Hill's has established a Disaster Relief Network that will enable Hill's to quickly deploy pet food resources in case of emergency. The Network consists of nearly 100 participating shelters across the country that Hill's can work with to distribute emergency food supplies to the pets who need it most. Through this network, Hill’s assisted needy pets and pet owners during Hurricanes Sandy, Isaac and Katrina, the Waldo Canyon wildfire near Colorado Springs, the tornadoes in Joplin, MO, and the tsunami in Japan as well as the recent flooding disaster in Colorado.

Hill’s is also helping educate pet owners on what they can do to keep their pets healthy and safe when disaster strikes. Advance preparation is the key. Here are some tips offered by Dr. Dan Aja, Director of U.S. Professional and Veterinary Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition:

• Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag, with updated contact information.
• Prepare an emergency box of pet supplies that is readily accessible in the event of an evacuation. Emergency kits should include: first aid supplies and guide book; a 3-day supply of pet food in a waterproof container and bottled water; a safety harness and leash; waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; a contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations; information on your pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues; comfort toys; and a blanket.
• Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include veterinarian’s contact information.
• Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area – keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be able to shelter pets. Scout hotels/motels with pet friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and/or your pet.
• If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate if possible for transport and safe-keeping.
• Carry a good picture of your pet with you in the event of separation during evacuation. Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house because pets may hide if they are scared. Finding them quickly will help you evacuate faster.

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Science Diet for Cats, but Mochas, Mysteries and More only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.