Jeannie P. of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team and Travis H. of the ASPCA Animal Relocation team are on a journey together with two critical missions in mind: transporting 41 dogs displaced by Hurricane Harvey from Corpus Christi, Texas, to the Northeast, and returning the animal transport vehicle back to Texas so that we can help many more animals in need.

Latest Update: September 5, 2017, 9:00 AM ET

Last night, ASPCA staff excitedly awaited the arrival of 20 shelter dogs that were transported from Houston, Texas to the ASPCA Adoption Center in New York City. Prior to their arrival in the Big Apple, the ASPCA transport brought an additional 21 shelter dogs to the Connecticut Humane Society. These shelter dogs —all unowned and homeless before the hurricane hit—were initially evacuated from Corpus Christi, Texas before Hurricane Harvey devastated the area. They were then moved out of state so that facilities in affected areas would have room to take in displaced pets until they can be reunited with their owners.

Tails wagging, each dog stepped off the transport van in red carpet style. Media was onsite to capture their special arrival. Just starting to settle in after their long journey, these lucky dogs will now receive some TLC before being made available for adoption. We have no doubt they are going to find very loving homes!

Watch our Facebook Live below to see their moment of arrival.

September 4, 2017, 10:56 AM ET

With new brakes on the truck and a good night's rest, Jeannie and Travis’s journey Northeast with the 41 dogs continued. The first stop was to transfer the dogs into a roomier 53 foot trailer. This gave the transport team the opportunity to walk the dogs again before they settled into their new accommodations. A camera in the trailer allows for the team to keep constant watch on their passengers, ensuring their safety throughout the drive.

The next stop was Ohio, where members from the ASPCA Behavior team assisted with the walking, feeding and watering of the dogs. Everyone was happy and healthy as they settled in for the night.

This morning, Jeannie and Travis picked up some additional supplies and posed for a quick group photo before continuing on the last leg of their drive. Next stop: the ASPCA Adoption Center!

September 3, 2017, 6:39 AM ET

“Yesterday, we had all of the dogs fed, watered and ready to roll out at 9:00 A.M., but approximately 30 minutes down the road, we saw smoke and smelled burning coming from the back brakes of the truck. Two shops, one mechanical parts store and several hours later, the rear driver's side had new brakes, pads and rotor,” says Jeannie. “During this setback, attending to our very precious cargo was our priority. The dogs were kept relaxed with small feedings, fresh cold water and crushed ice throughout the day.”

Once the brakes had been fixed, the transport continued on its journey Northeast. “About 330 miles later we pulled into Blytheville, Arkansas, to rest for the night. We attended to our furry friends with more crushed ice and water, we also cleaned out their cages, providing comfort for while on the road,” explains Jeanie. “It was a big day for us all.” 

September 2, 2017, 2:07 PM ET

Jeannie P. of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team and Travis H. of the ASPCA Animal Relocation team are on a journey together with two critical missions in mind: transporting 41 dogs displaced by Hurricane Harvey from Corpus Christi, Texas, to the Northeast, and returning the animal transport vehicle back to Texas so that we can help many more animals in need.

Jeannie says, “The normal route of travel would have been Interstate 10, but due to Harvey’s destruction, Travis had to re-route down many county roads, navigating around the flooding and traffic to get these dogs to safety. 480 miles later, we pulled in to Jackson, Mississippi late last night and were welcomed by a host of volunteers at our wonderful partner, Mississippi Animal Rescue. They helped us to feed, water and walk the dogs before settling them in for the night.”  

September 2, 2017, 11:00 AM ET

In support of the Houston SPCA, the ASPCA is assisting with the transport and placement of 41 shelter dogs displaced by Hurricane Harvey. The dogs were initially evacuated from Corpus Christi, Texas before the storm’s wrath devastated the area.

“Animal welfare groups in communities throughout Texas and Louisiana devastated by Hurricane Harvey have been working tirelessly to secure transports for homeless animals and get them out of harm’s way,” says Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the ASPCA. “The ASPCA is pleased to be able to offer relief by transporting homeless dogs from the disaster zones to communities where they can find safe and loving homes.”

The dogs will be arriving at the ASPCA Adoption Center this weekend, where 20 will be placed in our care. The remaining dogs will continue their journey to the Connecticut Humane Society in Newington, Connecticut. All of the dogs will receive much needed TLC before being made available for adoption.

“These dogs will have experienced a long journey from Houston to the Big Apple,” says Jorge Ortega, Senior Director of the ASPCA Adoption Center. “We want to make sure we give them some time to settle in, but I’m confident that they will quickly find homes once they’re ready to be adopted.”

The ASPCA’s search-and-rescue, sheltering and relocation teams are currently spread throughout Texas and Louisiana and actively engaging with local agencies to deploy much-needed professional responders to help animal victims of this unprecedented and life-threatening flooding. Please give a donation today to help support the ASPCA’s life-saving work. Your support ensures that we can be ready whenever and wherever we are needed most.