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Photo courtesy of Erica Danger

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.  

Donate to disaster relief efforts

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

Right now, Best Friends’ emergency response staff and volunteers are on the ground in the Asheville area, helping with animal care, distributing much-needed supplies, and coordinating animal transport efforts. 

If you’re able to help, please donate today to Best Friends’ dedicated relief fund. Your support would mean the world to so many pets in need.

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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’ disaster 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.