HOUSTON – Hundreds of animals found themselves lost or abandoned after Hurricane Harvey. Many animals were brought to already crowded shelters.
Others were found wandering the streets. This weekend Houston Pets Alive! and Austin Pets Alive! are hosting a mega-adoption event for the pets that have come to its doors as a temporary shelter. Many looking to adopt could walk away with a pet at no cost.
The organizations had more than 400 cats and dogs that were ready to find new homes.
"We saw a lot of pets come in after Harvey. We were also fortunate enough to work with local shelters that knew they were going to see some real trouble during Harvey, so we were able to move pets out of those shelters ahead of time,” said Miranda Hitchcock, with Austin Pets Alive.
The organization waived the adoption fees for anyone looking to add a member to their family.
They had more than 220 dogs and 150 cats in kennels at their Stella Link shelter at 8620 Stella Link Road.
"Adopting this weekend makes a huge impact,” Hitchcock said. “Not only does it mean that that pet gets to go be in a living room tonight -- instead of in a kennel somewhere, but it also means that we have another free cage space -- another free kennel for another animal. It means we can safe another life."
Organizers only ask that those looking to adopt bring their ID. At the sites, people got to meet and play with dogs and cats to get a feel for which animal fit best for their family.
Many of the animals were stranded, found or surrendered after Harvey.
Karly Glauser experienced the flooding but still came to take a new cat home.
"We were in an area heavily impacted by Harvey, so we saw a lot of it firsthand -- so it's really nice to be able to help those who really can't say or get help on their own," Glauser said.
Those looking to foster a pet are also welcome.
The adoption event ran all day Saturday and will continue Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 8620 Stella Link Road in Houston.
Organizers said volunteers are needed. Anyone interested in volunteering can just show up.
