Hurricanes displaced many animals, but shelters are here to help

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — Across the country, organizations and animal shelters are coming together to help displaced pets.

Shelters are doing all they can to ensure pets are taken care of while families rebuild. At the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, a shipment of cats was recently received from a shelter that was in the path of the hurricane.

A total of 17 cats arrived at the Humane Society earlier this week. The Cleveland Humane Society is doing the same and is offering a flash sale to clear space for incoming pets.

“First we have to get enough animals into wonderful homes before we can say, yes we can take in more animals because we are committed to providing a high quality of care for the animals that are with us,” said Sharon Harvey, President and CEO of the Cleveland APL.

Opening its doors once again is an aminal sanctuary in southern Mississippi, which saw the impact of leaving pets behind after Hurricane Katrina.

“Katrina really affected Pearl River County area and a lot of people, it’s still very fresh in people’s minds, and they refer to it all the time,” said Tracy Bulino with Erin Reagan Animal Sanctuary.

Most evacuation buses and boats during Katrina refused to take pets and an estimated 250,000 pets were left behind. This led to an estimated 70,000 to 150,000 pet deaths.

While this is not the case this time, sanctuaries and shelters all across the country are still doing their part to take care of pets in need.

“So when they see that a really, really wicked hurricane is coming in elsewhere, people want to jump at the opportunity to help when they can,” said Bulino.

The Humane Society of Greater Dayton is expecting to receive dogs and puppies soon. If you’re interested in fostering, adopting or even donating, visit their website .

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