Cats and dogs from Florida arrive in the Tri-State to find fur-ever homes
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — Pets impacted by Hurricane Helene and Milton are now in the care of the Warrick and Vanderburgh Humane Societies.
"It was quiet at first. Then as we got to three thousand feet and were coming down, all of a sudden you have a plane load of 3 year olds asking if we are there yet. It is chaotic and crazy, but it is a lovely sound," says Ric Browde, Wings of Rescue president.
Browde flew the plane and said the trip took about 2 hours and 37 minutes. All of the animals on board came from Pinellas County and Animal Services and the Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County. The trip was made possible through a partnership with Best Friends Animal Society.
"These are a little special because we are getting them out of a situation to hopefully help other people find their pets," says Kendall Paul, the Vanderburgh Humane Society CEO.
The pets taken off the plane were not lost in the hurricane. But they were in shelters before Hurricane Milton and were evacuated due to damage at the shelters or to make room for the many lost pets due to the storm.
"Some of them have extensive damage... pets are still wandering in who are looking for their families," says Browse.
The Warrick Humane Society says it took 5 dogs and 4 cats. They previously took in 7 dogs from Tennessee after Hurricane Helene.
"It was amazing and I am so grateful that we can help with this," says Rachel Allen, the foster coordinator at the Warrick Humane Society.
Both shelters say the community helped them make room for the pets flying in. Last week, VHS waived adoption fees and told us 202 animals were adopted. The Warrick Humane Society says many of their pets went into foster homes.
"The community has been amazing," Allen says.
The shelters say all of the animals taken off the plane will be up for adoption. But first, they need a clean bill of health.
"We have to make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations, spayed and neutered, and check their temperament," Paul says.
