An Update After Hurricane Milton
Saturday, October 12, 2024
We hope everyone has made it safely through this past week and if you or your loved ones were affected, that you are on the road to recovery.
While we experienced no life-threatening damage to our shelter buildings, Hurricane Milton has taken its toll on us. After assessing the water damage done to our Cat Box, we’ve determined that it will need to be closed for the present time until repairs can be made. So, our cats hopped on a plane! They are being transferred to Ten Lives Club, a no-kill organization in New York. We are also working to transfer out some of our dogs to another organization. Humane Society of Pinellas has transferred a few dogs and also assisted with prepping all the documentation for the cats’ freedom flight. Now these pets will have a faster chance of finding their perfect homes! So often we have the privilege to come to the aid of other organizations in need, and we are so very grateful that in our time of need, these wonderful people have come to our aid. 
We are working to regroup and plan for our next steps; we are grateful for the support of our community and your understanding at this time!
We are so thankful to Keegan Spera, Disaster Assessment Coordinator with Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Florida; Karen Slomba of Slomba Shelter Solutions for helping coordinate; Ten Lives Club; Wings of Rescue for transportation; and Humane Society of Pinellas's Dr. Gallas and his team. Thank you also to Pinellas County Animal Services Jennifer Renner for getting us extra emergency supplies!
If you would like to help, we are in need of cleaning supplies like bleach, paper towels, gently used towels, etc. Those items can be purchased on our "Shelter Needs" Amazon wishlist or dropped off at the shelter at 2911 47th Ave. N, St. Petersburg FL 33714.
We will also restart distribution of donated pet food and supplies to those in need following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. If you know of an area in need of direct drop off, or a distribution site in need of pet supplies, send us an email.
Thank you again for your support and patience!
Parts of the Cat Box took in about 2" of water during the storm. No animals or staff were injured or endangered. We also had some external wind damage.
Dr. Gallas and his team from Humane Society of Pinellas helped produce all the documentation the cats needed for their flight.
Adoptions & Intake Manager Krista Loveless and CEO Dara Eckart got the cats safely on the plane with Wings of Rescue!
