Animals from Outdoor Kennels in Highlands County Safe ahead of Hurricane Milton

We knew we had to act fast...

With Hurricane Milton approaching, the team at the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) mobilized to assist Highlands County Animal Services clear out their shelter.

Their kennels are all outdoors, some under cover, but all exposed to the wind, rain and potential flooding.

While simultaneously preparing our own shelter for a potential direct hit, we acted quickly to put out a foster plea so we could make room for 22 cats and 13 dogs.

The response from our community was overwhelming. In total, 33 animals went out to foster in just 8 hours!

We collaborated with Best Friends Animal Society and Florida Leaders in Lifesaving to make sure no Highlands County animal was left behind. It was a multi-organizational and multi-state effort, with out of state rescues taking the dogs HSSC couldn't.

Collaboration is key when it comes to lifesaving. In this case, it saved the lives of 30-plus cats and dogs.