Animal Shelters Step Up to Help Pets Affected by Hurricane Helene

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, animal shelters across the country have united to help pets in need. Around 88 dogs and 44 cats were flown from Florence, South Carolina, to Waukesha, near Milwaukee, as part of a large-scale rescue operation aimed at finding homes for displaced animals. The Wisconsin Humane Society, along with other shelters, has taken in these animals to help them get adopted.

According to Angela Speed, vice president of marketing and communication at the Wisconsin Humane Society, it was a difficult decision to accept more animals, as local shelters were already full. However, she expressed confidence in the community’s ability to step up in times of need, as they’ve done before. Liz Baker, CEO of Greater Good Charities, emphasized the importance of moving adoptable pets to areas where they have a better chance of finding homes. “Most are adopted, and this clears out space for other animals in need,” she said, highlighting the impact of relocation efforts.

The Humane Society of the United States explained that moving animals who were already available for adoption before the storm helps local shelters focus on pets that have been separated from their humans due to the hurricane. By doing so, these shelters can prioritize reuniting families with their pets and provide the necessary care for animals that remain in affected areas.

Shelters across various states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, have taken in evacuated pets. The Humane Society of the United States also reported that 45 animals from Tennessee shelters dealing with power outages and water shortages were relocated to Maryland. Meanwhile, Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, Massachusetts, is offering 50% off adoption fees to encourage quicker adoptions, which will help create space for more animals from the storm-hit regions.

Efforts to rescue and relocate pets affected by Hurricane Helene are ongoing, with some shelters still receiving more animals. The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals welcomed 34 dogs from Tennessee and 15 cats from Florida, with an additional 75 animals expected soon from Asheville, one of the hardest-hit areas. In Rhode Island, Potter League for Animals took in 14 dogs from Aiken County Animal Shelter in South Carolina, five of which have already found new homes.

As shelters continue to face an influx of animals due to the hurricane, they are calling on communities for help. The Aiken County Animal Shelter, which has been dealing with the aftermath of the storm, has put out an urgent request for local fosters to temporarily care for homeless dogs. These efforts are crucial in ensuring that pets affected by the hurricane find safety and comfort until they can be reunited with their families or adopted into new homes.

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Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal.

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