Local Pet Shelter Welcomes Animals from Hurricane Harvey

Donate Today

At A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter volunteers are opening their doors to more than 20 dogs and cats affected by Hurricane Harvey.

But don’t worry; drivers say the animals came from Texas shelters where they were already seeking a home.

“What we’re mostly doing is making room for those victims who still want to claim their animals, so they’re not having to drive all the way across the country once they’re back in their homes,” said Melissa Saylor, an animal rescue volunteer.

Saylor said when she heard about animals in need she reached out to see what she could do.

She and two other volunteers drove a van all the way from Indiana to Texas to help shelters facing overcrowding, dropping the dogs and cats off at shelters along the way back to Naperville.

“I think it was eight different places that we’ve driven to, to get everybody where they needed to go,” said Saylor. “I just feel really lucky that we were able to do it. It’s really cool. It’s really awesome to be a part of something so big.”

Saylor said she thinks the animals are glad too.

“It’s like they knew,” she said. “They saw a difference when we pulled up to the shelter. They were really, really excited. They knew it wasn’t just a potty break. You could tell they were excited.”

Shelter Executive Director Chris Stirn said the journey hasn’t ended yet because the animals still need their forever homes.

“They’re a great group,” said Stirn. “Everybody on this transport is lovely. They would make a great pet for anybody and bring you lots of love and you’re helping out our friends in Texas.”

All the dogs and cats from this transport will be available for adoption in about two weeks.

The Naperville Area Humane Society is also taking in animals from shelters affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Naperville News 17’s Beth Bria reports.