WAUKESHA, Wis. — It was a busy October for the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) in Waukesha.
HAWS received two pet shipments this month from shelters in the South affected by both Hurricanes Helen and Milton.
What you need to know: Wisconsin animal shelters are taking in pets evacuated in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helen and Milton
HAWS adopted 13 cats and kittens and 19 dogs and puppies.
A total of 145 dogs and cats were brought to Wisconsin from the South.
HAWS communications specialist Jen Smieja said the animals in the Hurricane Helen shipment have since been adopted.
“It was amazing,” Sumieya said. “That flight was on a Tuesday or Wednesday. We were crazy busy that weekend. We had 100 adoptions that weekend. Not just pets for transportation, but people coming to the shelter for other reasons. I also have other pets.
Now, a new group of dogs and cats evacuated by Hurricane Milton are here in the Badger State. Smilla said there are 52 dogs and 93 cats that will be shared among eight different shelters across Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Southwest Airlines, Greater Good Charities and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue collaborated to make the transport possible.
HAWS adopted 13 cats and kittens and 19 dogs and puppies. Soumiya said she is not worried about whether they will be adopted, especially after the successful first transport.
“People are really responding,” Soumiya said. “This extreme weather has led people to respond not just to the needs of adopters, but to the needs of animals in general. People have been very responsive to the idea that now is a good time to adopt. They came to adopt us and we are so grateful.”
Julia Steiner saw posts online about more animals coming to the state in need of homes because of the hurricanes. Although she didn’t end up taking one of them away, she said adopting animals from shelters is something she generally tries to prioritize.
“There are a lot of animals that need homes,” Steiner said. “I think it’s really important to look at what’s out there. If you have the means to expect animals and give them everything they need to thrive and grow, why not? there is no.”
Sumieya said that while many people would like to help with hurricane cleanup efforts, many are unable to do so, so adopting a rescued animal can also be a great way to give back.
She said she is grateful that HAWS is partnering with other businesses so they can continue to take in dogs affected by natural disasters like Hurricanes Helen and Milton.
In addition to HAWS, other shelters that have adopted animals include:
Elmbrook Humane Society Jefferson County Humane Society Washington County Humane Society Dane County Humane Society Greene County Humane Society Eau Claire Humane Society
