Greater Birmingham Humane Society Serves as Shelter for Over 60 Dogs Evacuated from Hurricane Isaias

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — More than 60 dogs from the Mobile area have found temporary refuge at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) as part of an emergency effort to protect them from Hurricane Isaias. The shelter is collaborating with the Bissell Pet Foundation and its Animal Incident Management team to relocate animals ahead of the approaching storm.

Dogs from Mobile County Animal Shelter and the City of Mobile Animal Services were moved to GBHS, where staff are caring for them until partner organizations can facilitate further transport. While some dogs will stay in Birmingham for adoption, others will travel to shelters in states including Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. In addition, some animals were flown out of Birmingham.

Ivana Sullivan, GBHS Chief Program Officer, reported that staff worked throughout the night to prepare the dogs and coordinate transportation, arriving at the shelter around 4 a.m. on Friday. Sullivan emphasized the teamwork involved in the operation: "A lot of team effort and coming together to work together," she said.

The mission aims to free up kennel space in coastal shelters, allowing them to accommodate pets that may become displaced during the hurricane. "The whole goal is to help all those animals that are going to be impacted the most get out of there," Sullivan added, noting the importance of allowing shelter staff time to care for their families.

GBHS is functioning as a temporary hub, holding the relocated dogs until they can be picked up by rescue partners. The shelter also transferred some of its own adoptable animals to increase capacity for incoming pets from the Gulf Coast. According to Sullivan, the initial influx of dogs from Mobile totaled over 60, with plans to house, feed, and adopt out a portion of them while others were already being arranged for transfer.

Animals still under stray hold will remain at GBHS, giving owners a chance to reclaim them. In addition, the shelter has issued an urgent call for clean, secure dog crates and cat carriers. Sullivan mentioned that the community responded generously, providing at least 50 crates within 48 hours; however, more — particularly large and extra-large dog crates — are still needed.

The shelter encourages community support through fostering, adopting, or donating, and additional information regarding these opportunities can be found on the Greater Birmingham Humane Society’s website.