ASPCA, Cloud Nine Rescue Flights Partner to Fly Animals Displaced by Hurricane Maria from St. Croix to Florida and New York

Life-saving airlift will transport homeless animals from ASPCA’s emergency shelter in the U.S. Virgin Islands to mainland rescue groups
November 10, 2017

NEW YORK—The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) and Cloud Nine Rescue Flights are joining forces to transport homeless animals displaced by Hurricane Maria to animal shelters in Florida and New York where they will be made available for adoption. A total of 56 homeless animals – 47 dogs and 9 cats –- will be transported and placed with four animal shelters, including Cat Depot, Humane Society of Broward County, Halifax Humane Society, and the ASPCA’s Adoption Center in New York City.

The animals will be transported from an emergency shelter established by the ASPCA in September where more than 300 animals displaced by Hurricane Maria have received care to date. The cats and dogs will be transported out of St. Croix on November 11 and 12 by Cloud Nine Rescue Flights, arriving at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and continuing on to the Florida and New York-based shelters to find safe and loving homes.

“Relocating homeless animals out of communities impacted by natural disasters is a critical aspect of emergency response efforts because it allows first responders to focus on assisting owned pets and animals in need of immediate medical care,” said Jessica Rushin, partnerships senior manager for ASPCA Field Investigations & Response. “The ASPCA is pleased to work with Cloud Nine Rescue Flights on this life-saving effort to transport animals displaced by Hurricane Maria from St. Croix to the dedicated shelters and rescue groups in the States where they will have a second chance to find safe and loving homes.”

Since late September, dozens of ASPCA responders have been working around the clock conducting field rescues and managing an emergency shelter in St. Croix. In addition, approximately 17,000 animals impacted by Hurricane Maria have been assisted by the ASPCA through the distribution of critical pet supplies. For the latest updates on the ASPCA's response, please visit www.aspca.org/maria-response.

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About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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