In September, the Unicoi County Animal Shelter in Erwin, Tennessee, faced a crisis as flooding from Hurricane Milton forced nearly 100 dogs and cats to evacuate. The silence from the animals, typically vocal, highlighted their fear as staff scrambled to find them new homes.
In the aftermath of back-to-back hurricanes, many shelters across the Southeast are overwhelmed, struggling to accommodate an influx of displaced pets. The situation has intensified the existing overcrowding crisis in animal shelters nationwide, with many facilities now busier than ever.
Mirah Horowitz, founder of Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, emphasized that animal sheltering is currently in crisis.
Overcrowding was already an issue before hurricane season, exacerbated by rising veterinary costs and a trend of no-kill policies.
After the storms, shelters called on the public for donations of supplies to care for the new arrivals.
Furry Friends, a no-kill shelter in Florida, aimed to prevent euthanasia by relocating pets impacted by Hurricane Helene. However, when Hurricane Milton struck, they also faced destruction, leading them to seek temporary housing for their animals.
Other shelters, like Hope for Brevard in Florida, have stepped up to help, even when it means taking in more animals than they can typically manage. Amanda Peck, the shelter manager, recently took in 147 cats, far exceeding her expectations.
Despite the challenges, shelters are committed to finding homes for the animals. Harris from Unicoi County continues to raise funds for repairs, which are estimated to cost around $350,000. The resilience of these organizations highlights the ongoing need for support in animal welfare during such crises.