Around 130 dogs and cats are being relocated from flood-prone areas of Texas to six Virginia shelters and rescues. Coastal shelters in the path of Hurricane Laura are evacuating the homeless animals in their custody, who risk drowning should those shelters flood. Advocates say emptying these shelters ahead of the storm saves lives and gives them capacity to respond to the community’s need once the storm passes.
The Richmond SPCA is preparing to take in as many as 20 cats and 10 dogs on Wednesday (8/26). After arriving at the Richmond SPCA’s humane center, officals say each dog and cat will be given a thorough veterinary examination and have any medical needs treated in order to prepare them for adoption.
Additional pets on this flight are bound for the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA, Angels of Assisi in Roanoke, Fredericksburg SPCA, Homeward Trailsand Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Arlington.
Houston PetSet, is making arrangements on the ground in Texas with shelters in Houston, Dickinson and Lake Jackson. Officials with the Richmond SPCA say this airlift was made possible by the Petco Foundation in partnership with Wings of Rescue and GreaterGood.org.