Where can your pets go if you have to evacuate?
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - When storms hit, some people leave to find shelter elsewhere, but that does not always include a safe place for your pet.
So where can they go, if not with you?
One local rescue has made it their mission to care for your pets until the coast is clear.
Team Stinkykiss has been around for close to 15 years rescuing and re-homing abandoned and homeless animals in the CSRA.
Now, they’re serving as a safe place for families to keep their pets while they shelter from the storm.
Team coverage as Tropical Storm Debbie moves through CSRA
With trees coming down, power going out and water pooling over already-saturated ground, the CSRA is feeling the effects as Tropical Storm Debby moves through the region.
CSRA towns rally together as Debby continues to roll in
When a small town comes together, it makes a big difference. That's what people discovered as Tropical Storm Debby came through the CSRA.
Slow-moving Tropical Storm Debby bringing torrential rains and flooding to to southeastern US
Tropical Storm Debby brought prolonged downpours and flooding to the southeastern United States on Tuesday and was expected to hover over the Atlantic Ocean.
Augusta Red Cross volunteers spearhead tropical storm relief efforts
Augusta is serving as the hub for Red Cross efforts to help those affected by Tropical Storm Debby across Georgia and South Carolina.
“There are a lot of low-lying areas as we know in the low country and those folks that are coming here to the evacuation route that bring their pets and don’t have anywhere to take them when they are sheltering, we can take them in, and care for them like they’re our own pets in their time of hardship,” said Director Gretchen Iakovidis.
They’re located at the Aiken fairgrounds.
Iakovidis says this is their third time creating an evacuation shelter.
“A lot of the human shelters do not allow pets. There’s a misconception that hotels have to accept your pet during an emergency and that is not the case, so we’re here to fill that gap,” she said.
The community has already stepped up by donating food, water, towels, blankets and cleaning supplies.
LIST: School closures due to impacts from Tropical Storm Debby
Some school districts are announcing closures ahead of Debby, which will bring the potential for lots of rain across the CSRA, especially in southern and eastern counties.
The rescue now needs people to help care for them.
“We’re going to need volunteers as far as walking and feeding the dogs, that will start this evening that we have that need,” said Iakovidis.
She says someone will be with the pets 24/7 helping local families and those in outlying areas impacted by the storm.
“I tell ya, it’s the most rewarding thing we can do is give back to the community,” she said.
The evacuation shelter is located at the Aiken fairgrounds in the arts and crafts building.
They do have another building they can use if needed. Again, their largest need is volunteers.
If you would like to help or donate, visit their Facebook page.
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