All paws on deck for evacuation

Fifty-six animals had overnight getaways, while some found permanent homes after SPCA Renwick was evacuated on June 27 due to the possibility of flooding.

All animals were quickly evacuated from the Fox’s Island Road facility and SPCA staff Rochelle Brown and Sophie Reid were very thankful for supporters opening their doors to a furry evacuee or four at very short notice.

“Once we were told we knew it was best to be off site early rather than getting out in a hurry, but we got the place evacuated in three hours”, which Rochelle described as record speed.

“We made the call to evacuate between half two and quarter to three – it was my day off, but I came in to help our staff and foster supporters evacuate the animals.

“I don’t think I would have slept well if I knew the animals were all still here.”

Rochelle took 12 cats for the overnight stay, Sophie took two cats, and another staff member took two chickens, two dogs and two cats.

“Then it was just among as many foster families as could come to us and take who they could with crates and supplies for the weekend”, says Rochelle.

“Sophie was amazing with ringing foster connections and getting as many people on deck as we possibly could and getting animals off site safely, quickly and efficiently as possible.

“We called on Animal Control to take two dogs, a huge relief on our already-stretched resources coming out and picking them up, and likewise for Springlands vet taking all the cats out of our isolation ward to their clinic - it was such a collaborative effort.

“The fosters were so amazing, coming in and being available to take them in such a hurry so we could sort emergency overnight kits for the animals”, added Sophie.

“My partner went and got a bunch of litter from Bunnings and brought it here just in case it was for a bit longer than we expected - it really was all hands on.”

Despite the evacuation being a rush, Sophie and Rochelle are pleased some of the emergency foster connections have, or may still, become permanent.

“One of our dogs was waiting on final checks, so we called up the family to say that Yara has got to be evacuated and to see if they wanted her for the weekend to see if she’s going to be a fit”, said Sophie.

“They were straight in here, picked her up and finalized her adoption yesterday, which was really cool.

“Our two chickens also got adopted by one of our staff members who took them on emergency evacuation.

“There’s also a lovely foster that took on a couple of cats and is continuing to foster one which could do with more one-on-one time, and he’s doing extremely well there”, said Rochelle.

“Even before this next rain arrived, some foster families give us the heads up that they’re available should we need to evacuate again this time.

“More foster homes are always welcome, as it frees us up to take more animals on site, while giving animals a better chance of rehabilitation and preps them for what life’s going to be like in a home - getting them socialized is really important.”