How to help animals after a natural disaster?

With the recent tragedy of the floods in Poza Rica, Veracruz, the effects on both humans and animals have gone viral in real time. People across the country have joined forces to support the victims, as, once again, the government has not been efficient.

One of the great challenges in natural disasters is that many people want to help, but they do not always know how to do it, whether from a distance or in person. A few days after the disaster, and after investigating, we can offer a small guide to help the animals that are usually the most vulnerable and ignored in these situations.

I’ll start with an example: my friend Lilia, who lives in Xalapa, about three hours from Poza Rica. She has been a bridge to channel donations from different parts of the country. Of course, doing it alone would be impossible, so when one wants to help, the question arises: How to find the right people or circles to join forces?

Lilia has managed to connect thanks to her way of life: she seeks that everything she consumes comes from people with a social conscience. From choosing a tattoo artist, to shopping at the store of the lady who rescues dogs from the street. Furthermore, he is not afraid to ask or ask for support; At her gym she met a veterinarian who helped her get medications at affordable prices.

Thanks to this collaborative network, Lilia has managed to gather a significant amount of resources that have already benefited many affected animals.

In-person ways to help

• Donate food, medicines and materials such as kibble, wet food, bottled water, gauze or carriers. You can take them to collection centers, such as the Patas AC Shelter, which also visits affected colonies to distribute food and help animals.
• Participate in brigades or volunteer work in the field, supporting rescues, veterinary assistance, transportation or distribution of supplies. Ask local shelters when the next departure will be.
• Adopt or foster. If you have the space and conditions, offering a place to a rescued animal can save its life and free up space for more rescues.
• Support local shelters by cleaning, building, feeding or walking animals.

Remote ways to help

• Donate money or send supplies by parcel, always verifying that the person or organization is trustworthy and transparent.
• Spread and raise awareness. Use your networks to share verified information, promote collection centers or inspire others to help.
• Support digitally. If you have IT, networking, design, or editing skills, you can volunteer remotely to create content or manage campaigns.
• Sponsor Many shelters need godfathers and godmothers who contribute monthly to the care of an animal.

Useful tips

• Before collaborating, ask what they really need and when they receive help.
• Verify the transparency of shelters or people, especially by demonstrating that they are caring for rescued animals.
• If you adopt or foster, consider the commitment of time, health and food.
• Avoid sharing false information and prioritize reliable sources.
• Be constant, even if it is with little: sustained help over time is what truly transforms.

In every natural disaster, animals They are the silent victims. They don’t ask for help, but they need it as much as any human being. Helping them is not only an act of compassion, but of collective responsibility, because sharing the planet also implies taking care of those who cannot help themselves.

Lilia’s story reminds us that empathy multiplies when it becomes action, and that you don’t need to have a lot to make a difference: you just need to have a heart and the will to collaborate.

I hope that something stronger than hopelessness emerges from this tragedy: a network of solidarity that remains alive even when the waters recede.