Numerous dogs and other animals have been evacuated from regions in Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina that were severely impacted by Hurricane Helene, and are now being relocated to shelters across the United States.

The hurricane’s destructive journey through the Southeast has resulted in the relocation of these animals to shelters in states such as Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, and Washington, D.C., where they are now available for adoption and seeking a new lease on life.

A recent statement from the Humane Society of the United States revealed that 45 animals from shelters in Tennessee, which are facing issues like power outages and water shortages, have been transported to their care center in Maryland.

Additionally, around 100 animals have been evacuated from a shelter in Tennessee’s Unicoi County and are being distributed to various groups while that shelter undergoes repairs and cleanup, according to the humane society.

“By moving animals that were ready for adoption prior to the storm out of the affected areas, local animal services can focus on caring for and taking in displaced pets, enhancing chances for reuniting them with their families,” stated the Humane Society in the news release.

Kirsten Peek, a spokesperson for the organization, mentioned in an email to YSL News on Thursday that the efforts to relocate the animals are still ongoing, and they currently lack a total on how many animals have been moved.

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, several shelters including the Humane Animal Welfare Society in Waukesha, Elmbrook Humane Society, Wisconsin Humane Society, and Washington County Humane Society are welcoming numerous cats and dogs impacted by Hurricane Helene.

A group of 88 dogs and 44 cats were airlifted from Florence, South Carolina to Waukesha, which is near Milwaukee, on Wednesday afternoon, with local shelters aiding in their adoption, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the YSL News Network.

“It was a tough choice to assist since there are many local animals recently,” Angela Speed, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Wisconsin Humane Society, shared with the Journal Sentinel. However, she noted that community members have consistently “stepped up and contributed” in these types of situations.

Liz Baker, CEO of Greater Good Charities, who directed the relocation efforts, told the Journal Sentinel that “the best approach is to move adoptable pets into communities where there are families ready to adopt them.”

“Most of these pets get adopted, freeing up space for other at-risk animals,” Baker explained, adding that these “at-risk animals” are often homeless pets awaiting reunion with their families.

North Carolina

The Society of Charlotte has partnered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to help transport 44 displaced dogs and cats from the Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Asheville. This rescue facility was severely affected by the recent hurricane.

Before the hurricane made landfall, these animals were placed in emergency foster homes and later moved to temporary shelters before being brought to Charlotte, according to a news release from ASPCA.

ASPCA announced, “The group consists of 14 dogs and 30 cats, all unowned, and they are currently receiving medical and behavioral treatment until they can be adopted in the upcoming weeks.”

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, the Dakin Humane Society based in Springfield is reducing all adoption fees by 50% until October 12. This initiative aims to encourage quicker adoptions to make room for animals being brought in from southern shelters affected by Hurricane Helene. While the exact number of animals that arrived in Springfield isn’t specified, the organization has shared photos of various adoptable pets, including cats, dogs, and even a sparrow.

Additionally, the Dakin Humane Society is gathering supplies such as dog and cat food, as well as toys, to send to their partners working in regions devastated by the hurricane.

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported they welcomed 34 dogs from eastern Tennessee and 15 cats from Florida. They also anticipate the arrival of 75 more animals later this week from Asheville, one of the hardest-hit regions. As of Friday, the dogs from Tennessee are now available for adoption, according to the shelter.

Rhode Island

In Middleton, Rhode Island, the Potter League for Animals took in 14 dogs from the Aiken County Animal Shelter in South Carolina. Kara Montalbano, a spokesperson for the shelter, clarified via email to YSL News that these dogs were not lost pets; they were already in the shelter prior to the hurricane. They were moved to Rhode Island to help free up space for animals affected by the storm at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.

The Aiken County Animal Shelter, located about 132 miles from Charleston, has faced a significant increase in animals before and during Hurricane Helene, all while struggling with power outages and limited resources post-hurricane. In a Facebook post, the shelter stated that they took in 93 animals in the three days leading up to the storm and are in urgent need of fosters within Aiken County to help shelter a homeless pet for a short period.

Montalbano noted that five of the 14 dogs brought to Rhode Island have already found their forever homes, and the shelter plans another transport with the Aiken County Animal Shelter in the near future.