CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s not just people who have been drastically impacted by Helene, but also shelter pets.
Now, animal shelters across North Carolina — and the country — are helping our furry friends during the crisis.
The Humane Society of Charlotte is just one of many shelters that's been lending a helping hand to animals in Asheville, taking in dogs and cats that were held at the shelters there and giving them a new home until they're made available for adoption.
The animal shelter says they’ve transported animals to Charlotte this week through the Asheville Humane Society, ASPCA and Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.
Charlotte's humane society took in animals from Asheville on Monday evening, then on Wednesday, another 44 homeless dogs and cats from Brother Wolf were emergency transported after flooding devastated their shelter. The animals were previously in the custody of foster caregivers before arriving in Charlotte.
The 14 dogs and 30 cats are receiving medical and behavioral care until they are made available for adoption in the coming weeks.
There are different ways the community can help right now:
Adoptions have been 50% off since Tuesday this week at the Humane Society of Charlotte to help clear the building. The discount offer was extended until Saturday, Oct. 5 for people considering adoption.
Folks are also encouraged to give a monetary donation to the Asheville Humane Society, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and Bissell Pet Foundation. The Humane Society of Charlotte says you can visit the animals during their open hours or view animals available for adoption on their website.
The shelter is located at 1348 Parker Drive and is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
CMPD Animal Care & Control has a team on the ground in western North Carolina to offer support and drop-off collected donations.
They are accepting donations of dog and cat food through Saturday, Oct. 5 in the shelter's main lobby at 8315 Byrum Dr.
You can also give a monetary donation to the Shelter Flex Fund on the CMPD Animal Care & Control website.
Iredell County Animal Services is also accepting donations for animals in need in Avery County. According to a Facebook post this week, the organization needs unopened and unexpired dog food, cat food, livestock feed and square bales of hay.
All except the hay bales can be brought directly to the shelter at 430 Bristol Drive in Statesville. If you have hay bales for livestock, you're asked to email the shelter at rescue@iredellcountync.gov.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.