Adopt a Pet Rescued From a Devastated Flood or Tornado Zone
May is national pet adoption month. Learn how you can adopt a rescued animal.
May 11, 2011 — -- This morning on "Good Morning America," you saw a report about animals being rescued after their lives were turned upside down following a tornado outbreak in Alabama.
It was the worst such outbreak in nearly 40 years. At least 248 people were killed in Alabama, 34 in Mississippi, 34 in Tennessee, 15 in Georgia, five in Virginia, two in Louisiana and one in Kentucky.
The situation was devastating not just for people. Hundreds of pets were abandoned or stranded, and many families that were left homeless were forced to relinquish their animals, said Beth Ostrosky Stern of the North Shore Animal League.
The Port Washington, N.Y., organization deployed emergency rescue teams to help hard-hit animal shelters in Alabama. The teams rescued dozens of animals.
The pets were brought to New York and given medical and emotional evaluations. They will be put up for adoption on May 12.
North Shore is the largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization in the world, according to its website.
The organization works with a national network of shelter and rescue partners and provides information, education, and resources about pet adoption.
National Pet Adoption Month
May has been designated national pet adoption month, and across the country, there are thousands of other animals who need good homes.
The following national organizations offer more information on pet adoption:
The A.S.P.C.A The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a nationwide database of dogs looking for a good home.
Petfinder: Petfinder.com is the oldest and largest online database of adoptable pets, according to their website. You can search for pets by location and breed and learn more about animal rescue organizations.
National Animal Shelter Directory: Search for animal shelters by state.