Hundreds of pets were rescued following Venezuela’s earthquakes. Now they’re looking for their families

Hundreds of Pets Were Rescued in Venezuela Earthquake: Families Reunited

Hundreds of pets were rescued following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June, leaving many animals separated from their families. These furry companions have found temporary refuge in shelters across the affected regions while their owners recover and search for them. Among the many heartwarming stories emerging from this crisis is that of Catira Alejandra, a small dog whose joyful reunion with her family brought tears to many eyes.

A Joyous Reunion After Uncertainty

Tail wagging enthusiastically, leaping with frenzied energy, and showering her owners with loving licks marked the emotional moment Catira Alejandra finally saw the familiar faces she feared she might never see again. Just days before this joyful encounter, the little dog had been hunched over with her head lowered, trembling as rescuers in gloves carefully examined her injuries. At that time, she had been temporarily renamed by her rescuers and carried no identifying information to help trace her back to the life she once knew.

Catira Alejandra became one of the hundreds of pets that flooded into shelters after the twin earthquakes devastated multiple parts of Venezuela in June, claiming thousands of lives. In the aftermath, scores of residents have suffered the dual tragedy of losing both loved ones and their beloved animal companions. Since June 24, at least 648 pets—including dogs and cats—have been rescued in La Guaira, one of the states hardest hit by the earthquakes, as well as in the Caracas neighborhood of San Bernardino, according to Maguildas Vargas, president of Misión Nevado, a Venezuelan government initiative that provides shelter for homeless animals.

Medical Care and Reunification Efforts

Vargas’ dedicated team has successfully reunited at least 18 pets rescued in La Guaira with their owners. Most of the animals discovered were injured, suffering from fractures, multiple traumas, mutilations, abrasions, or cuts, said Vargas, who works as a veterinary assistant. These injured pets are currently receiving comprehensive veterinary care and shelter until they can safely return to their original homes.

Vargas has encouraged people searching for their lost pets to create online profiles for them and spread the word through social media platforms. Social networks have consequently been flooded with photographs and videos showcasing dogs of all sizes, white cats, black cats, striped and multicolored felines. Each post has been circulated repeatedly, carrying desperate pleas from bereaved owners alongside basic information about their beloved animals.

Community Shelters Become Meeting Points

The shelter located at Granja Los Corales in the state of La Guaira has emerged as one of the primary hubs for hundreds of rescued animals. Rene Cardozo, the shelter coordinator in the region, explained to state broadcaster Venezolana de Televisión (VTV): “We are here as a meeting point for those people who are looking for their pets so they can come and check if they are in the facilities.”

Alongside government efforts, many independent shelters have worked tirelessly to reunite the canine and feline victims of Venezuela’s earthquakes with their loved ones. María Cordova made her first animal rescue when she was 15 years old, back in 2013. Since then, she has made it her mission, working from Barquisimeto in the state of Lara. Being a pastry chef who works from home has allowed her to orient her schedule around caring for her rescues.

Personal Missions of Compassion

Days after the earthquakes, Cordova traveled to La Guaira twice, where she and her shelter, Amor Animal, helped 22 animals. “We are looking for their owners; we know that many are still hospitalized and haven’t had the chance to look for their pets,” she told CNN. “My mission in all of this is for them to find their owners. I am in no hurry to put them up for adoption, because my mission and my satisfaction would be for them to be reunited with their owners,” Cordova said.

That mission was partially accomplished a few days ago when she saw Gus, a black cat she had rescued in Catia La Mar in the state of La Guaira. Gus was reunited with his owner after 19 days. “I found him by the grace of God, thanks to you,” says Rofredbelys, his owner, through tears in a video shared by the shelter. These reunions, Cordova says, give meaning to all of her work. “That girl really cried,” she says.