Wisconsin humane societies take in pets affected by Hurricane Helene

Dozens of cats and dogs affected by Hurricane Helene arrived in Waukesha on Wednesday afternoon looking for permanent homes.

The Humane Animal Welfare Society in Waukesha, Elmbrook Humane Society, Wisconsin Humane Society and Washington County Humane Society are taking in the pets. They were flown from Florence, South Carolina, to the Waukesha airport.

In total, the Wisconsin animal shelters are helping 88 dogs and 44 cats impacted by the hurricane get adopted.

“We felt compelled to help,” said Angela Speed, vice president of marketing and communication for the Wisconsin Humane Society. Speed said she saw videos and pictures of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene that showed people without water and food.

“It was a challenging decision to help as there is a high population of local animals recently,” Speed said.

She said that people in the community have always “stepped up and helped” in these situations.

“The community is really there for natural disasters,” she said.

Why has Wisconsin been asked to help these animals?

The pets coming from South Carolina were in shelters there and are being moved to clear space for the animals directly impacted by Hurricane Helene, said Liz Baker, CEO at Greater Good Charities who oversaw the relocation.

Wisconsin humane societies have worked with Greater Good Charities since 2019 with the transportation and relocation of pets.

“The best thing is to move out adoptable pets and to move them into the community where there are adoptable homes,” Baker said. “Most are adopted, and this clears out space for other animals in need.” The “animals in need” are the pets who are homeless and are waiting to be reunited with their owners.

Jennifer Smieja, communication specialist for HAWS, said the local animal shelters are taking in those pets so they can be later reunited with their owners.

“I can't imagine being homeless and having a pet,” Smieja said.

How many pets are going to each shelter?

Smieja said that HAWS will be taking in 30 pets, which include cats and dogs. Speed said WHS is taking in 10 dogs and six cats at its Milwaukee Campus. The Elmbrook Humane Society will be taking in 12 cats and six dogs, according to Morgan Gourley, customer service associate.

Joe Paczkalski, communications specialist with the Washington County Humane Society, said the shelter is receiving 33 dogs and 13 cats impacted by Hurricane Helene.

What happens to the shelter pets when they arrive in Wisconsin?

When the pets arrived in Waukesha, they were transported in vans to the shelters where they will be evaluated and receive any follow-up medical care needed.

Baker said all the pets on the flight have been fully vetted and health-certified by a local licensed veterinarian. 

Staff members at HAWS, WHS, the Washington County Humane Society and Elmbrook Humane Society told the Journal Sentinel that some of the animals could be ready for adoption in the near future.

What other humane societies are taking in pets from South Carolina?

Other Wisconsin animal shelters are also taking in pets from South Carolina. They include the Dane County Humane Society, the Eau Claire Humane Association and the Green County Humane Society, Christie Kurstin of Greater Good Charities said in a released statement.

Where are the pets coming from in South Carolina?

Most of the pets are coming from Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and their affiliates, Florence Area Humane Society and Marion County Animal Shelter

What can I do to help, donate or adopt a pet?

The local humane societies need financial donations to help cover the sudden expenses of veterinary costs and the cost of caring for the animals. They also need items such as pet food, cat litter, blankets and bleach. They can each be contacted separately.

More:Want to help those affected by Hurricane Helene? You can donate to these groups

More:Miracles in the mud: Heroes, helping hands emerge from Hurricane Helene aftermath

Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kozlowicz_cathy.