One year after Helene, Richmond SPCA reflects on disaster rescue efforts
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — It's been exactly one year since Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the East Coast. On this day, the Richmond SPCA is reflecting on how its staff pitched in to ensure displaced pets had somewhere to go.
One year ago, the evening of Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, Helene made landfall in Florida, traveled up the coast and devastated parts of North Carolina and Virginia.
"Shelters were flooded -- workers couldn't even get to the shelter to care for the animals," said Richmond SPCA Communications Director Tabitha Treloar. "So many of the employees and volunteers at those shelters had lost their own homes."
She said that’s why the Richmond SPCA stepped in to help, taking in 30 cats and 12 dogs from destroyed North Carolina shelters.
Animals displaced by Helene's damage in North Carolina arrive in Richmond at the Richmond SPCA. (Photo: Brad Vassar/8News)
Animals displaced by Helene's damage in North Carolina arrive in Richmond at the Richmond SPCA. (Photo: Brad Vassar/8News)
Animals displaced by Helene's damage in North Carolina arrive in Richmond at the Richmond SPCA. (Photo: Brad Vassar/8News)
Animals displaced by Helene's damage in North Carolina arrive in Richmond at the Richmond SPCA. (Photo: Brad Vassar/8News)
Animals displaced by Helene's damage in North Carolina arrive in Richmond at the Richmond SPCA. (Photo: Brad Vassar/8News)
Animals displaced by Helene's damage in North Carolina arrive in Richmond at the Richmond SPCA. (Photo: Brad Vassar/8News)
When 8News checked in on Helene's anniversary, Treloar only had good news to share about where these dozens of animals ended up.
"They all found lasting, loving homes and are now part of Richmond families," she said.
Treloar explained that it all happened through the BISSELL Pet Foundation, which connects shelters in need with others able to help during disasters.
"Last year was one of our biggest disaster response years," she added.
To prepare, Treloar said the community had to work together to clear shelter space -- holding adoption specials and asking for donated supplies like food and water.
"It is such a community collaborative effort," she said. "110 total animals came to us as a result -- not only from Hurricane Helene, but also Hurricane Milton and then the wildfires in California."
One of those animals is Artie, a dog displaced by Hurricane Milton, who is still waiting for a permanent home.
"He is so well-loved here -- and this guy is eight years old," Treloar said.
So, while all of the animals rescued after Hurricane Helene have since been adopted into homes across Central Virginia, as hurricane season continues, it’s important to find homes for pets like Artie.
"[We need shelter space] so that we are in a position to say 'yes' -- whether it is a local partner who has crowded kennels or it is a disaster response from another state," Treloar said.
For more information on adopting animals, click here.
