DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Adult animals, like yellow lab Ricky Bobby, are available at the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area with no adoption fee.
Amanda Brunish, Director of Marking and Outreach, says the waived fees are to help make room for shelter animals fleeing Hurricane Milton-ravaged areas.
“We have a second-chance program where we are able to transport animals from the south and so because we are able to do that, we really wanted to make an effort to get any animals that we can out of Florida,” Brunish said.
While Harrisburg is still waiting to welcome impacted animals, affiliates like Brandywine Valley SPCA received more than two dozen cats moved out of the path of Hurricane Milton at its West Chester Campus.
“Obviously we are going to do everything we can to help and take as many as we can physically be able to help,” Brunish said.
These efforts allow facilities down south to focus on reuniting lost or displaced pets with their owners.
“When there’s hurricanes and natural disasters like this, a pretty significant number of animals lose their homes or get lost and have trouble finding their owners so that’s important for the shelter to have that time to focus on that,” Brunish said.
It’s not known how many pets have been displaced by Hurricane Milton, that’s why staff say donations like food and toys are needed now more than ever.
“Since we’ve announced this we’ve had people calling in, emailing, asking how they can help, can they foster the animals that are coming in, can they volunteer in some way, so it’s really cool to see our community wanting to embrace these animals that are in need and it’s always so cool, we cannot do what we do without our community so we’re really thankful for their support,” Brunish said.
Waived adoption fees will be available until October 16. People can also donate household items, like blankets and towels.