Like It's Raining Cats And Dogs: Floods Prompt Pet Rescue Efforts

LARGO, FL — For the second time in three weeks, pets from hurricane-flooded areas in the Southeast are getting a new lease on life with the help of the Tampa Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

While strike teams from fire rescue and law enforcement agencies in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties headed to the Panhandle to rescue people trapped in flood waters from Hurricane Sally, animal welfare agencies were busy making sure homeless dogs and cats escaped the deluge.

On Friday, the SPCA Tampa Bay in Largo collaborated with the Louisiana SPCA and animal welfare agencies in Pensacola to transport 48 dogs and cats to Tampa Bay.

Friday's rescue effort followed an Aug. 31 mission in which 30 dogs were transported to the SPCA Tampa Bay from the Louisiana SPCA following flooding from Hurricane Laura.

The 20 dogs and 28 cats and kittens that arrived in Largo this weekend were already up for adoption at animal welfare agencies in the Panhandle. Those agencies needed to make room for incoming pets recently separated from their families during the storm.

For residents interested in providing a permanent home for one of these pets, the animals will be posted on the SPCA's website as they are medically cleared.

See related story: 30 Dogs Rescued From Hurricane Laura Floodwaters Arrive In Largo