Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 9, 2023 by Crystal Uys
I was nervously watching last weekend as Hurricane Irma made its way through Florida. I have a lot of friends in the state. Many evacuated with their cats, some stayed behind. Thankfully, everyone I’ve been worried about is okay, even though some still don’t have power back. Sadly, not everyone in Florida was as fortunate, and it breaks my heart to think of what so many people and animals went through and are still going through.
Even though animal rescue groups have already been strained by caring for the animals affected by Hurricane Harvey, many organizations are helping in Florida and other states affected by Irma as well. I’ve rounded up a number of organizations for you that I feel comfortable donating to. These are, of course, just a few of many that are involved in rescue efforts. Please check their websites for information on what they need, and how to donate.
A note for those of you who may be wondering why I don’t include major national organizations on this list: I prefer to donate to local organizations so I can be sure that my donations are used for the intended purpose. You may also want to check with your local shelters where you live. Shelters around the country are taking in animals displaced by hurricanes, and they need your help, too.
The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando staff traveled to Jacksonville and Daytona Beach earlier this week to transfer dogs and cats impacted by the storm to their shelters. They are already in discussions to transfer in additional pets from shelters on Florida’s west coast next week. They currently have over 400 dogs and cats in their care, but they have the space and staffing to accommodate and save pets from throughout the state. Click here to donate.
Good Karma Pet Rescue is a small group based in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. They’ve been taking in animals from Texas shelters, and they’ve been helping local rescuers who are struggling after Irma Click here to donate.
South Florida Wildlife Center is helping animals injured and displaced during the hurricane. Click here to donate.
Most organizations will probably need money rather than goods. The logistics of storing donations may overwhelm organizations whose volunteers are already stretched to the limit. Also, keep in mind that there is going to be a long term need for donations for months and possibly even years, so take that into consideration when planning your donations.
I’ll update this list as more information becomes available.
Image: Pixabay
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
Please think of Brigid’s Crossing Foundation in Naples Fl. They house 350 cats in a holistic sanctuary. They are a 501(C)(3) nonprofit.They were decimated from Irma and need everything.
Address is P.O. Box 9086 Naples Fl 34101-9086 or check out their Amazon wish list
Thanks, Wendy. They sound like a great group.
Can you help me help them. I went there yesterday and they are in dire need of money, food wet and dry, cat litter, cleaning supplies the list is endless. They are loosing the one paid worker in 2 weeks, they can’t afford workmans comp. any advice as to how I can help them would be appreciated. Thank you
Can you help me help them. I went there yesterday and they are in dire need.Ingrid can you tell me how to find help for them, it would be appreciated. I need some good ideas. Thank you
Does Naples/Collier County have a community foundation? Ask them to help. Also, ask the local Publix and Target and Whole Food stores. Ask their local tv station to do an interview with them. Ask the Naples Phil or Ritz Carlton or similar to do a fundraiser, perhaps for all the animal groups there.
humanesocietyofpinellas.org
They evacuated all 200+ animals to emergency foster homes. Shelter suffered heavy damage & medication was stolen. They are raising $15,000 to repair shelter.
suncoastanimalleague.org
Donations needed for their overcrowded shelter(cat area needs more room–cats often stay caged–big tiered healthy cages, but still confined–because surplus dogs have to share the cat space. Also, director is sheltering 60+baby squirrels blown from trees–feeding every 2 hrs 24/7.
Both are northwest of Tampa.
Thanks for caring about cats!
Thank you for this tip!
My name is Carolyn and I live in waycross ga. A female bobtail kitten entered my laundry room via the dryer vent during the hurricane. I need to find s home for her. I just rescued a stray cat Percy in may of this year. I now have three cats and a dachshund. I can not care for another cat at this time. meandmycats67 @yahoo.com contact me if you would like this 5-8 week old kitten. She eats dry cat food is litter box trained and is affectionate. Please help me
Thank you Ingrid. I had been wondering how to donate to Irma’s animals and now it is done. I really appreciate your column, but please, don’t worry when you take a day off. Just send us lots of fotos of Ruby and Allegra and we will be happy!
Thanks for donating, Patty, and thank you for your lovely words!
I felt the same way watching the either and waiting to hear from friends there. But the animals left behind when their families evacuated really broke my heart.
Thank you.
Like to find a book about finding my lost cat..or how to find .
my cats is missing. And I know it sounds crazy I got him posted as list on fracebook but no one what’s to share it . Like they do my want this cat to come home. I share it I thinkn total 3 share it . Not a good writer but I really did try. But I haven’t seen him since June 14 2017 . Winter’s coming .
I’m sorry about your missing cat, Laurie. You can find lost of information and resources on this website: http://www.missingpetpartnership.org/