The life-threatening Hurricane Helene continues to build strength in the Gulf of Mexico as it makes its way towards Florida's Big Bend.

The projected Category 3 or stronger storm will make landfall late on Thursday, September 26. Mandatory evacuations have been issued in several counties.

As people prepare for the deadly storm surge as high as 20 feet (labeled as "unsurvivable" storm surge by National Hurricane Center) and damaging winds that will cause power outages and isolated tornadoes, animal shelters in the estimated path are working to get the homeless animals to a safe place. 

Greater Good Charities' (GGC) Disaster Response Team is on the ground in Florida and lending a helping hand to shelters in the Panhandle that are transporting their pets to shelters inland like SPCA Florida and a no-kill rescue shelter called Halo. 

Halo posted, "Think this storm is not affecting us, wrong! As the shelters (many outdoor, low-income facilities) brace for impact, it’s up to us to provide relief. We are anticipating the intake of 8 + 1 very pregnant ready to pop mom so they will not have to ride out the storm. You can help by fostering! Freeing up a single space allows us to support others before and after the storm."

For the past two days, vans have been loaded with cats and dogs and transported out of the immediate path of the hurricane. However, due to the large size of the hurricane the impact will be felt statewide with flash flooding and intense winds.

SPCA Florida is also looking for short-term fosters to help care for the animals during the storm and after to make room for displaced pets. 

The shelter wrote, "We need to make as much space at SPCA Florida so we can bring in the influx of animals we're expecting from shelters and the community."

How You Can Help

GGC is on the ground to help people and pets in need. Join us in providing the resources these shelters need to keep the current pets safe and help the ones that will be displaced by this powerful hurricane. Donate now!