More than 150 cats, dogs, guinea pigs displaced by Hurricane Ian flown to Pacific Northwest

EVERETT, Wash. — More than 150 dogs, cats and guinea pigs displaced by Hurricane Ian were flown to the Pacific Northwest on Sunday.

Greater Good Charities and the Humane Society of the United States conducted the emergency airlift from animal shelters in Florida to shelters in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

The airlift of 181 animals —34 dogs, 118 cats and 29 guinea pigs — helped make room for the continuing flood of surrendered, lost and homeless pets arriving at Florida animal shelters because of the storm.

Staff shortages and damaged buildings are making it impossible for animal shelters in affected areas to operate at full capacity.

Only pets that were in shelters before the storm hit were transported to Pacific Northwest shelters so that Florida pets that were lost in the storm have a chance to be reunited with their families.

Late Sunday afternoon, pets landed at Paine Field in Everett. They were transferred to Embrace a Discarded Animal Society in Blaine, The NOAH Center in Stanwood, Seattle Humane in Bellevue, Motley Zoo in Redmond, Seattle Area Feline Rescue in Shoreline, and Animal Protection Society in Friday Harbor.

While at the shelters, the pets will be evaluated and receive any follow-up medical care as needed before they are put up for adoption.

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All 181 pets on today's #GoodFlight from Florida are now settling in at receiving shelters in Idaho, Oregon & Washington. As you can see, Scout got a chance to stretch his legs, & wheels, this afternoon! Thank you for making this life-saving transport possible! #AmplifyTheGood pic.twitter.com/s8zr5SXfua
— Greater Good Charities (@GreaterGoodorg) October 10, 2022