Humane Society of Sarasota County airlifts pets out of harm’s way

The Humane Society of Sarasota County is making use of private charter aircraft at Dolphin Aviation, operating at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, to relocate pets that have been displaced by Hurricane Ian. Many of the animals have come from other shelters that suffered major structural damage during the storm and are no longer operational.

To date, according to a news release, HSSC has helped 190 dogs and cats, including 79 cats that were taken from the severely damaged Highlands County Animal Services. Using private aircraft to the move the animals allows HSSC staff and volunteers to avoid flooded roadways and keep non-flooded routes clear for other emergency response groups.

The flights are being coordinated by the Bissell Pet Foundation and Best Friends Animal Society, according to Alissa Jackson, a HSSC spokeswoman. The animals "are being transferred out of state to a safer location," she says. 

Jackson says HSSC has "no idea" how many animals still need to be evacuated from the region. "I'm sure the number will continue to increase as roadways open and we can get to other shelters from where we are."  

HSSC, the release states, has helped dogs and cats from Gulf Coast Humane Society, Sarasota County Animal Services, Highlands County Animal Services and Osceola County Animal Services, and it will have more flights coming and going over the next three days. The Human Society itself remains closed for adoptions until Wednesday but volunteers are welcome to sign up for shifts at the facility’s pet pantry. Foster families are also needed for the many dogs and cats that have been taken in during the hurricane’s aftermath. For more information, email foster@hssc.org.

For people who cannot volunteer at the shelter or foster an animal, donations are welcome.