30 Nov East Tennessee Wildfire Impact – Veterinary Update
Tri County Veterinary Hospital, owned by Dr. Chris Biggs:
All staff and families accounted for. They are delivering pet food and emergency prescriptions to their clients who had to evacuate or lost everything and have their pets at hotels or other safe areas with them. They also have very sadly had clients report that their pets did not make it out of the fires. They appreciate everyone’s concern and prayers.
The Animal Clinic of Pigeon Forge, owner Dr. Bob Dennis:
One employee and family lost their home in the Dollywood area; they and their pets are safe. All other staff are safely accounted for. Dr. Dennis and the hospital are helping the community and the pets/people displaced with food, prescriptions, shelter and they appreciate everyone’s prayers.
Sevier County Animal Clinic, owner Dr. Denis Ryan:
All employees and their families are safely accounted for. They are helping with their clients who are reporting structure losses.
Mountain Home Veterinary Hospital, owner Dr. Chris Buckner:
Dr. Buckner and his family, and his Parents-in-law evacuated from their homes; status of their homes is unknown at this time. All other staff and families are accounted for and safe. They are boarding pets whose parents have been displaced and helping wherever they can. They are so appreciative of the Volunteer community and all those calling to help.
Parkway Animal Hospital, owner Dr. George Cline:
Employees report all staff and families are accounted for and safe. They are continuing to monitor and evaluate where they can help their clients and the community as calls continue to come in. They thank all who are thinking of them and appreciate the concern.
Smoky Mountain Animal Clinic, Owner Dr. Susan Sterling:
The hospital reports all staff and family are safe and accounted for. They have been assisting the Sevier County shelter with overflow pet evacuees and will continue to help as long as needed. They took in several last night and this morning. They are very grateful for the prayers and calls of support for their staff and their community.
Boyds Creek Animal Clinic, owner Dr. Brandi Dukes:
All employees and families are accounted for and safe. They are helping with overflow sheltering pets/ fire strays and any other ways they can assist the community. They appreciate the calls and prayers and support.
Seymour Veterinary Clinic, owner Steve Clark:
All employees and their families have been reached and they are working with them. They have been flooded with calls from clients and the area and will continue to help however they can. They thank all for the thoughts and concerns.
- The Sevier County shelter was able to evacuate all people and animals with the assistance of HSTV and local shelters/rescue groups/volunteers.
- Barker Lounge Boarding Facility in Sevierville is helping fill the need for temporary housing for pets or strays found. They are seeking crates, pet food, and bedding/blanket donations to support these animals this week needing emergency sheltering. Young Williams has sent crates and people and will continue to assist.
- Other pet care related facilities like the Eagle Foundation, Bird Sanctuary, and Petting Zoos, and Ripley’s Aquarium are still assessing the situation at their facilities and are mobilizing evacuations of some animals like the birds due to smoke inhalation risks.
- Dixie Stampede reports that all horses and livestock are being cared for and they are trying to reach all employees and their families via their employee buddy system.
Update provided by Erika Tookes, Merial Animal Health