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Hundreds Of Pets Find Homes After Florida Shelter's Viral Plea For Help

October 12, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Palm Beach, Florida.

Hundreds of homeless pets have been adopted or fostered after Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control's plea for help went viral.

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control

Anticipating a surge of animals displaced by Hurricane Milton, the shelter, located near West Palm Beach, was already over capacity with more than 200 homeless cats and dogs. To free up space for emergency intakes, they turned to the community for support.

The shelter’s heartfelt message on social media read:

“Hurricane Milton is heading our way, and our shelter is over capacity! We’re asking for compassionate community members to open their homes to a shelter animal for just 14-21 days. It’s short-term, but it makes a big difference! We provide everything—food, supplies, and support. You just provide a safe, loving space during this critical time. By fostering, you help us free up space for emergency intakes and save two lives at once.”

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control

The response was nothing short of incredible. Animal lovers from across Palm Beach County lined up, with some waiting the entire length of the shelter, ready to welcome a furry friend into their home. Within just two days, the shelter successfully placed 117 cats and 113 dogs with new families and fosters, offering these animals a much-needed second chance.

The shelter expressed its gratitude in a follow-up post:

“We want to offer the biggest and most sincere thank you to the entire Palm Beach County community for stepping up and helping our homeless pets! Thanks to everyone who liked, commented, and shared our call for fosters, so many members of the community showed up ready to help. Since our post went out on Monday, a total of 117 cats and 113 dogs have been pulled from the shelter by generous rescue partners, adopters, and fosters!”

On Friday, October 11, the shelter joyfully announced the incredible news that their kennels were completely empty.