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Best Friends’ response to Midwest tornadoes

Right now, Best Friends’ emergency response team is reaching out to impacted animal shelters and rescue groups in Springfield, Illinois and we are working to provide them with support that meets their needs. 

The latest

Here's what we're doing to help the pets and people impacted by Midwest tornadoes.

Visit Best Friends’ Facebook page for updates and to follow our work on the ground. Working with our local partners, we are committed to providing support and safety to the animals in Springfield, Illinois.  

Tornado in Springfield, Illinois
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A tornado destroyed the Animal Protective League (APL) shelter and clinic in Springfield, Illinois, which has been a long-standing partner and shelter mentor. All animals survived, but the organization is currently fully displaced and operating in crisis mode. A neighboring shelter, Sangamon County Animal Control, has begun absorbing displaced pets.

Our team has begun coordinating a response with stipends, transport, and supply support.

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 What to do if you’ve been impacted

If you’ve been impacted by Midwest tornadoes, you should follow your city or state guidelines to remain safe. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.  

If you’re evacuating with your pets and you’re not sure what to bring, or if you’re preparing at home and aren’t sure what to do to keep your pets safe, we can help.  

Help your pets in an emergency

Donate to emergency response efforts 

Make a gift to Best Friends’ emergency response fund to save lives today and in the future.

Your gift brings emergency assistance to animals in the wake of disasters like this one. Donations are used exclusively to support lifesaving work whenever and wherever a catastrophe occurs.

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Get updates on the Best Friends Facebook page

Find us on Facebook for breaking news and to follow our work on the ground.
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Keep your pets safe during a natural disaster

Be ready to keep yourself safe, as well as your dogs, cats and other pets. 
Prepare for natural disasters
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Who we are

Best Friends Animal Society works alongside thousands of animal shelters, rescue groups and other animal welfare organizations to save the lives of cats and dogs across the country and to make the entire country no-kill in 2025. 

As part of our commitment to keep pets safe, Best Friends’ emergency response team works to save lives during natural disasters and emergencies. 

We rescue stranded animals, deliver supplies to hard-hit shelters and rescue groups, transport displaced pets to areas where they’ll be safe, support emergency sheltering efforts and reunite misplaced pets with their families.