In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) is aiding animal shelters in Louisiana whose facilities were damaged by the Category 4 storm. “The damage caused by Hurricane Ida left many animal shelters in Louisiana struggling to provide care to the animals that survived the storm,” said Anna Gonce, Executive Director of HSSC. “We are grateful to have the space and resources right now to help these animals. Those of us on the Gulf Coast have to support each other. The next time, it could be us asking for help.”

HSSC recently completed an extensive renovation project that has doubled their facility space and the enhanced facilities allow HSSC to shelter, treat, and find homes for 50% more animals. HSSC made room for at least 20 cats and dogs that arrived on a chartered flight this past weekend. The animals came from shelters in Louisiana that were ravaged by the storm and are left without power or air-conditioning, making it almost impossible to care for animals that lost their homes in the storm.

“HSSC is a no-kill organization and our commitment to no-kill extends beyond the walls of our shelter,” Gonce added. “We are so grateful to the Sarasota community for supporting our capital campaign drive so we could expand our lifesaving work. We are looking forward to welcoming these little survivors to HSSC and giving them the care they need.” 

To view a list of pets and HSSC residents available for adoption, visit hssc.org/pets/pet-adoptions