Frustrated by an increasing number of families with nowhere to take their pets after being displaced by fire or other emergency, Philadelphia Firefighter Jennifer Leary established the Red Paw Emergency Relief Team. “People aren’t willing to evacuate if they can’t bring their pets,” said Leary, a five-year veteran of the Philadelphia Fire Department. “The Red Cross will provide emergency shelter for people displaced, but there isn’t a resource available to provide that service for their pets.”
That’s where Red Paw steps in, helping to find temporary housing and veterinary care for animals in need. “If an owner knows his or her pet will be taken care of, it helps relieve some of the stress during the recovery,” said Leary.
Working in conjunction with the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, the volunteer-run Red Paw responds 24/7 to provide emergency transport, vet care and shelter for animals in need.
Red Paw was founded in July 2011 and serves animals in Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania. “We are looking to expand our presence in the region, with the goal of becoming a national organization,” said Leary.
Red Paw has applied for 501c3 nonprofit status. For more information and to help, visit www.redpawemergencyreliefteam.org.
