In a heartwarming response to the destruction brought about by Hurricane Helene, animal shelters nationwide have joined forces to assist vulnerable pets.
As part of a concerted effort to find loving homes for displaced animals, a total of 88 dogs and 44 cats were transported from Florence, South Carolina, to Waukesha, located near Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin Humane Society, alongside other compassionate shelters, has taken in these remarkable creatures, providing them with a safe haven and working tirelessly to ensure their adoption into forever homes.
Angela Speed, the vice president of marketing and communication at the Wisconsin Humane Society, faced a tough choice when deciding to accept more animals. Local shelters were already at full capacity, making the decision even more challenging.
However, Speed remained optimistic, knowing that the community has always risen to the occasion in times of need. Liz Baker, the CEO of Greater Good Charities, stressed the significance of relocating adoptable pets to areas where they have a higher likelihood of finding forever homes.
She highlighted the positive outcomes of such efforts, as most animals are adopted, creating space for other animals in need.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, the organization clarifies that relocating animals who were already up for adoption prior to the storm allows local shelters to concentrate on pets that have been separated from their owners as a result of the hurricane.
This approach enables these shelters to prioritize reuniting families with their beloved pets and ensuring that animals in affected areas receive the essential care they need.
Shelters in several states, such as Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, have provided refuge to displaced pets.
In addition, the Humane Society of the United States shared that 45 animals from Tennessee shelters, facing challenges due to power outages and water shortages, were relocated to Maryland.
Moreover, the Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, Massachusetts, is promoting faster adoptions by offering a 50% discount on adoption fees. This initiative aims to make room for more animals from areas affected by the storm.
Efforts continue to rescue and relocate pets impacted by Hurricane Helene, as shelters are still receiving more animals. The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has recently welcomed 34 dogs from Tennessee and 15 cats from Florida.
Moreover, they are expecting an additional 75 animals soon from Asheville, one of the areas most severely affected by the hurricane. In Rhode Island, the Potter League for Animals has taken in 14 dogs from the Aiken County Animal Shelter in South Carolina, and five of them have already found new homes.
Shelters are reaching out to the community for assistance as they grapple with an increase in the number of animals brought in as a result of the hurricane.
The Aiken County Animal Shelter, in particular, is urgently seeking local foster homes to provide temporary care for displaced dogs.
These efforts are vital in ensuring that pets affected by the hurricane receive the necessary safety and comfort until they can be reunited with their families or find new forever homes.
If you’re considering getting a pet, we strongly urge you to adopt rather than shop. \