They escaped Katrina's winds and waves, but as the puppies jetted away from Rita, they were not out of harm's way ... yet. Seventeen puppies arrived at The San Francisco SPCA via airlift on September 21st and were welcomed with open arms. By the time they reached the shelter however, a few had begun to show lethargy and other signs of a contagious canine disease. Once they sicken, each puppy requires extensive medical care and attention. If all or a large portion of the 17 puppies are infected, the burden of care may extend beyond the current capacity of the medical staff and facilities. A tight isolation protocol is required to ensure healthy animals are not exposed to the risk. The SF/SPCA is committed to providing safe harbor for a cadre of dogs [32 so far] evacuated from shelters damaged by the recent hurricane or threatened from the storm set to land this weekend. Currently, the SF/SPCA medical and canine housing staff is providing round-the-clock, critical care to the puppies that have become sick. The San Francisco SPCA is poised to break ground on a state-of-the-art hospital that could provide care. Today, however, the 1920's hospital buildings and current facilities are stretched to the limit with sick animals — both local and Gulf Coast orphans. The new arrivals are in need of specialized care. Can you help? Sponsor a Gulf Coast Puppy Use the pull-down menu to designate the "HURRICANE KATRINA DISASTER RELIEF FUND" - OR send a check - The San Francisco SPCA HURRICANE KATRINA DISASTER RELIEF FUND 2500 16th Street San Francisco, CA 94103

Like animal welfare organizations, shelters, rescue organizations and private citizens throughout the country, the San Francisco SPCA has been working around the clock to help the displaced animals whose lives have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

• The SF/SPCA is committed to caring for as many dogs and cats as it can safely house. We have now received 15 dogs transported from Louisiana, and more animals will arrive in the coming days and weeks. These 15 dogs will be held for 30 days. They will be listed on Petfinder.com in hopes of reuniting them with their families. The dogs are currently under strict quarantine for approximately 7 - 14 days until cleared by medical staff.
  
  
• For more information please call the Volunteer Hot Line, 415.901.7467
  
  
• An email address has been established with information on how to donate to help animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. Please email .
  
  
• WE ARE NO LONGER TAKING DONATIONS OF ITEMS. THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE GENEROUS DONORS WHO GAVE MANY MANY VANLOADS OF LOVE!
  In collaboration with PeaceLove&Pets, The SF/SPCA has become a drop off point for donations of supplies and equipment to be transported to the affected area. PeaceLove&Pets is ensuring that all donations will reach the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Please bring donations to Maddie's Pet Adoption Center, 250 Florida Street, San Francisco. Maddie's is open from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. A link to PeaceLove&Pets will give you an extensive list of supplies that are desperately needed.