In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, hundreds, if not thousands, of pets were left behind or lost in the ensuing chaos.
But Best Friends Animal Society, based in Kanab, Utah, stepped in to help where they could and have so far rescued more than 500 dogs and cats, with more coming in every hour.
The people at Best Friends became very involved with rescuing displaced animals in the weeks following Hurricane Katrina. Knowing that a similar situation was certain to follow after Hurricane Harvey, they prepared for it in advance partnering with the Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Conroe, Texas.
Best Friends and MCAS work to reunite the displaced pets with the families. Before the storm hit, Best Friends and MCAS sent out word that evacuating families could shelter their pets with them inside a large steel hanger on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.
After Harvey passed and rescue and rebuilding efforts began, rescue workers found lots of lost pets and began bringing them to the same shelter.

“One of our primary goals is to make sure all owned pets are able to be reunited with their families and we’re thrilled dozens and dozens of reunions have happened already,” said Patty Hegwood, incident command for Best Friends Animal Society. “Our team has brought their expertise in animal care and sheltering along with a wealth of compassion and the spirit of teamwork.”
“It’s amazing to see all of these people and groups come together to help the animals affected by this storm,” said Aaron Johnson, director, Montgomery County Animal Shelter. “We couldn’t do any of this without the help of the Montgomery County Fair Association.
“The facilities and support they’ve provided throughout has been phenomenal.”
Also on site is American Humane with more than 10 people on site who are assisting with the rescue and reuniting efforts. Additionally, almost 400 people have shown up to help with the efforts and donations being dropped off every day.
“The amount of goods we’ve had donated has enabled us to send food and other supplies to area shelters that are still operating, but can’t get the supplies they need to run their operations,” said Johnson.
On Monday, Best Friends opened a Pet Reunion Pavillion where families who have been separated from their four-footed family members during the hurricane can come search for their lost pet.
Several family and pet reunions have already occurred, said Barbara Williamson, media relations manager for Best Friends. “It’s an amazing sight to see when a family and their pet recognize each other after being separated.”
Best Friends may set up a similar animal rescue center in Florida in the wake of Hurricane Irma, said Williamson
She said Best Friends will assess the situation in Florida when the storm passes.
If you’d like to donate money or supplies you can do so on Best Friends’ website at bestfriends.org/hurricaneharvey and there you will find an Amazon Wish List.