Best Friends’ response to Hurricane Milton
Right now, Best Friends’ disaster response teams are actively working to identify needs to best support impacted animal shelters and rescue groups in Florida.
At this time, our disaster response teams are also actively monitoring Hurricane Helene in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee to identify needs to best support impact shelters and rescue groups.
Monday, October 7, 2024: Preparations are underway as Hurricane Milton, a potentially Category 3 or 4 storm, approaches Florida's west central coastline. Pasco County is activating five emergency shelters on Monday morning, with Best Friends providing on-the-ground support at the animal shelter.
Multiple dogs from Pinellas County will be moved to Best Friends' Atlanta partner facility for temporary care until they can be relocated to receiving shelters. Jacksonville Humane Society is also stepping up to house additional dogs from other shelters, with Best Friends coordinating volunteers for animal care.
The Humane Society of Sarasota County will be taking in all animals from Highlands County Animal Control, with Best Friends providing pet food and litter to support their efforts and restock public food pantries affected by previous storms.
In a state-wide collaboration, a temporary emergency animal shelter is being set up at Alaqua Animal Refuge in Walton County, with stipends and support from Best Friends and other partners to help shelters move animals out of harm's way. Additionally, Best Friends is working with local communities to find safe indoor locations for animals and provide essential supplies like crates, generators, and pet food.
Best Friends will continue to assist shelters with preparedness and recovery efforts in collaboration with the state of Florida.
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 Florida.