Nutrish petfood brand's Rachael Ray is donating US$500,000 to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to help pets who were displaced, hurt or lost during Hurricane Sandy in the northeast US.

In addition, Nutrish is sending 4 tons of wet and dry dog food to help feed the animals affected by Sandy, the company's largest donation to date. “When you make your living in food, you have to give back in the same way,” Ray said.

The US$500,000 Ray is donating will be used by the ASPCA to lease a building that will be used as an animal shelter for pets affected by the storm, provide mobile veterinary services, hand out supplies and continue searching for lost pets.