Pets From Hurricane-Impacted Shelters Headed To Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Over 100 animals from Louisiana in areas affected by Hurricane Ida arrived in Northern Virginia and have been taken in by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and other groups.

The pets arrived by plane Wednesday in at the Manassas Regional Airport. In coordination with the Bissell Pet Foundation, local animal rescues and shelters are taking in the pets and helping them find new homes in the Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania areas.

"Even with the plane doors closed, we could hear the dogs and how excited they were to be here," said AWLA adoptions and transfer coordinator Jeannette Acosta.

These pets were in Louisiana shelters before Hurricane Ida impacted the state. Evacuating these pets makes more room for pets displaced by the storm, giving them a chance to ultimately reunite with their families.

"Every animal transported to our area means one more animal who has the chance to reconnect
with their family in Louisiana," said AWLA director of operations Katie DeWillems. "We're glad to
work with this amazing team to help dozens of animals find their homes across our community."

The Animal League of Alexandria took in dogs ranging from 3 months old to 9 years old, as well as several kittens who will be in the foster program until they're ready for adoption. Once the animals evacuated from Louisiana are ready for adoption, AWLA will provide details at AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt.

Organizations that took in the newly arrived pets are Angels of Assisi, Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Animal Care Sanctuary, The Hero Rescue, Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, Main Line Animal Rescue, Providence Animal Center, Red Rock Rescue, and Richmond SPCA.

"We are so grateful to everyone who has been part of this collaborative effort, from our partners on the ground in Louisiana to those helping here in Virginia, taking these pets into their shelters so they can be adopted," said Cathy Bissell, founder of Bissell Pet Foundation. "This was a
massive team effort with people all across the country helping each other, and while part of the
work is finished, there is more to be done as we continue to help the displaced pets in Louisiana."