Texas Floods Disaster Relief

In the face of devastating floods in Texas, our incredible volunteers answered the call, volunteering hundreds of hours to provide crucial aid. Larry, Caroline, Andy, Walt, and Diana navigated shifting storms and flash flood warnings to transport animals, deliver essential supplies, and support overwhelmed local shelters. They are now home safe, but their journey is a reminder of the life-saving work your support makes possible. Read the full story of their incredible mission and discover how you can help us continue to be a lifeline for animals in need.

Florida Urgent Rescue had five volunteers on the ground in Texas, delivering supplies and equipment to help animals, people, and shelters affected by the floods. Larry Massie drove our FUR van all the way to Texas. From there, Andy and Caroline Lingaitis transported dogs and cats to Dallas for a flight to New York with Dog is My Copilot, where they were met by Walt Shay to help load the aircraft.

Walt then returned to Austin and spent the next week doing transports to support local shelters in the Texas Hill Country and assisting Austin Pets Alive! Caroline and Diana Allen later joined Walt, and together they continued to support the shelters, transporting pet food and supplies in and moving animals back out.

The shelters they supported include:

• Austin Pets Alive!

• Kerrville Pets Alive!

• Hill Country SPCA

• Hill Country Humane Society

• San Saba Animal Shelter

• Austin Animal Center

• Kendall County Animal Shelter

In disasters, there are many moving parts, and the situation can change by the minute. More than one transport had to be diverted due to storms and new flash flood warnings.

Caroline, Andy, Walt, Diana, and Larry truly went above and beyond to help the people and animals impacted by the floods. A huge thank you to Clare, Zoe, Briar, Stephanie, and Nick at Austin Pets Alive! for planning and coordinating these transports, and to the staff and volunteers at the local shelters for doing the heavy lifting in extremely difficult circumstances.

This is what rescue looks like: long drives, sleepless nights, and a fierce commitment to saving lives—no matter the distance.

We’re a foster-based rescue, but our Urgent Transport program allows us to help in natural disasters and other emergencies as well. It is because of our amazing supporters that we can do this work. If you'd like to help us continue to save lives, please consider fostering, adopting, or donating!

To Foster: www.floridaurgentrescue.org/foster 

To Adopt: www.floridaurgentrescue.org/adopt 

To Donate: www.floridaurgentrescue.org/donate