Dozens Of Shelter Pets Arrive In WA From FL After Hurricane Ian

BELLEVUE, WA — Dozens of dogs, cats and guinea pigs are up for adoption in Puget Sound after local shelters pitched in free up space at Florida facilities that are still recovering from Hurricane Ian.

The joint effort led by Greater Good Charities and the Humane Society airlifted more than 180 pets from shelters in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm, Palm City and Port Charlotte, with flights arriving in Washington, Oregon and Idaho Sunday afternoon.

“As families lost their homes or were evacuated, shelter partners are reporting an increased number of surrendered or homeless pets,” Greater Good Charities wrote. “Transporting out pets who were in shelters prior to the storm helps ensure they are adopted but also makes room in operating shelters to accept the influx of pets displaced by the storm. This increases the likelihood of families who lost their pets in the storm to be reunited.”

Approximately 150 pets landed at Everett’s Paine Field, then were driven to shelters in Bellevue, Redmond, Shoreline, Starwood, Blaine and Friday Harbor. Each pet will be up for adoption after a medical evaluation and any necessary care, with the first available by Tuesday. Bellevue-based Seattle Humane took in nearly 70 of the animals.

Here are the shelters in Western Washington caring for pets displaced by Hurricane Ian:

• Seattle Humane (Bellevue)
• Motley Zoo (Redmond)
• Seattle Area Feline Rescue (Shoreline)
• The NOAH Center (Stanwood)
• Animal Protection Society (Friday Harbor)

Residents interested in helping Seattle Humane care for the pets until they are adopted can make a donation on the shelter's website.