Humane Society of Sarasota County provides storm shelter for dogs and cats

As soon as staff opened the door of the transport vehicle on Aug. 29, there were plenty of wagging tails, as 15 dogs expressed their eagerness to meet the staff of the Humane Society of Sarasota County.

After the shelter’s staff received word of an underfunded rural shelter, with dogs housed in outside kennels, located in Dixie County in Florida’s Big Bend, directly in the path of Hurricane Idalia, they decided they had to help, said the shelter’s senior director of operations David Lynch.

“Under no circumstances were we okay with knowing this information and not acting,” Lynch said.

The organization’s volunteers never question decisions like this, he said, including the decision to also bring in 20-30 cats from an underfunded shelter in Highlands County in Florida, arriving Aug. 30. The move will free up the other shelters to focus on animals displaced by the storm, he said.

The monthlong national Clear the Shelters event contributed to the availability of space at the humane society, with 36 adoptions taking place last weekend, a highlight in the event, and nine on Aug. 29. About 194 animals are in the shelter’s care with about 140 on-site.

The dogs appeared relaxed and playful in their new space, from which the shelter plans to adopt them out, he said.

“They all are very happy, and they're going to make a lot of families extremely happy and filled with lots of love too.”

The 10 volunteers present at the facility also offer the animals a level of comfort. Staying overnight during the storm, and perhaps even for the night of Aug. 30, they have already decided which dogs they will be paired with during the night, he said.

Courtesy photo

The humans can also rest assured that everyone’s safety has been taken into consideration. The facility, which withstood Hurricane Ian, was renovated in 2021 and has impact-resistant windows. Boards have been placed where needed. Supplies for both humans and animals were gathered days in advance, while all spaces were secured. Veterinary staff will be present to offer critical care.

The dogs, who had two to three walks the morning of Aug. 29, thanks to volunteers, will also receive plenty of enrichment, including playtime, treats and puzzle feeders.

“It really is just all hands on deck to make sure that everyone's safe and healthy and happy,” Lynch said.

For Lynch, it’s an important part of not only helping animals in need, but also giving back to the community.

“In Sarasota County, we're very fortunate to live in this community that has been very generous and given us tremendous resources, resources that a lot of our friends and neighbors don’t have. With those resources, and with the support of our community, we have a greater responsibility.”

The work will continue after the storm, as the shelter coordinates with partners and visits hard-hit areas, transporting animals to other shelters or rescues or bringing them to the Humane Society of Sarasota County.