Ready To Respond: Humane Society Of Tulsa Team Gears Up For Hurricane Animal Rescue Mission

Even when families are able to evacuate in a disaster, they may be forced to leave their pets behind. The Humane Society of Tulsa's plans switched in an instant when staff received a call that they might be needed in Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton.

In a matter of hours Monday evening, rescue crews received enough donations to fill their trailer. Staff at the Humane Society of Tulsa are loading their emergency response trailer with supplies as they wait for a phone call—a call that could send them thousands of miles away.

“Right now, our team is on standby,” said Rachel Ward. “It is also possible that we might go ahead and deploy to the Florida area as they’re watching the storm, Hurricane Milton, come into the area.”

Their vehicle could soon be the temporary home to dozens of pets belonging to families impacted by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton.

“Those would be owned animals that usually belong to people who are utilizing shelters that are not allowed to bring the animals in, or who don’t have the space or resources,” Ward said.

Ward plans to hit the road at a moment’s notice and travel to where the biggest need is. She says she can’t imagine having to choose between her pets and her safety.

“How would I even manage that if I had children to take care of as well? These are huge, huge, life-changing decisions people are having to make,” Ward said.

Mike and Laura Avey, who volunteer at the Humane Society, say they are touched by the staff’s willingness to help.

“They realize the importance of animals in people’s lives, especially in a disaster,” they said.

They believe the organization will take one thing off people's plates by going to help.

“They’re going through a lot right now; their lives have been turned upside down, literally,” they said.

This group might not know when they'll leave, but the rescue team will do whatever they can to help.

“If they need us, we will be there,” Ward said.

Once the Humane Society deploys, they don’t know how long they will stay, but they say they will remain as long as they are needed.

If you wish to help pay for more supplies or gas for their trip, you can donate online.