Animals sheltered from Hurricane Laura

SAN ANTONIO — Thousands were ordered to evacuate East Texas cities this week ahead of the tropical storms and many of them are headed to San Antonio. But animals are going to need a place to stay too. San Antonio Pets Alive is stepping in to help.

As Laura looms over the gulf, cars line Texas highways full of people looking to avoid the danger of the upcoming tropical storms – but not just people. Twelve animals were evacuated from Beaumont Animal Services and driven nearly 300 miles to San Antonio Pets Alive.

“The Humane Society of the United States… loaded up the animals at about 5:00 in the morning and drove to San Antonio,” said San Antonio Pets Alive marketing and development director Olivia Schneider. “They had a truck full of these really, really special animals.”

She said the non-profit makes a point of being prepared to take in extra animals when hurricane risks are high.

“Whenever it’s hurricane season, we’re always standing ready to help our friends from other areas that are being impacted by it,” Schneider said. “It’s our mission to help save the lives of as many animals as we possibly can.”

Some of the animals need extra medical attention; including vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, and in one case, eyelid surgery. Between the twelve of them the medical costs amount to nearly $1,400.  

“All of the dogs are heartworm positive which means that they need special medical treatment in order to be 100 percent healthy. All of the cats needed special vaccinations to get up to health,” Schneider said.

She said anyone hoping to help cover the cost can donate here.

“Every dollar that’s raised goes directly to helping these animals get a second chance at life any additional funds will be used to help the thousands of animals that we save every year,” she said.