Hurricane Dorian Prompts Evacuation Of Dogs By NoVA Rescue

ARLINGTON, VA — A Northern Virginia animal rescue evacuated 19 dogs to make room for pets in areas impacted by Hurricane Dorian.

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue brought up the dogs from the Florence County, South Carolina Shelter on Labor Day. The 19 dogs were meant to be brought up to the DC area for adoption later in September, but the hurricane changed that timeline. According to WTOP, the shelter needed space to house pets whose owners live in coastal areas under evacuation orders.

"Not only is the Florence County shelter within the cone of possible catastrophic impact, but, in the event that coastal South Carolina is severely impacted, the shelter must be prepared to house owned animals in mandatory evacuation zones," said Lucky Dog founder and executive director Mirah Horowitz in a statement.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Dorian: State Of Emergency Declared In Virginia

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue had little time to find temporary shelter for the 19 dogs when the shelter requested they be moved. Volunteers around the DC area stepped in to foster the dogs.

The dogs are looking for their forever homes and will be at an adoption event Sunday, Sept. 8 from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. at PetSmart, 5154 Nicholson Lane, Kensington, Maryland.

Other upcoming adoption events include:

• Saturday, Sept. 7 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Loyal Companion, 10737 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland
• Friday, Sept. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Dogma Bakery, 2772 South Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington, Virginia
• Saturday, Sept. 14 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Friendship Hospital For Animals, 4105 Brandywine Street NW, Washington, DC (cat adoption event)
• Saturday, Sept. 14 from 12 p.m.-2 p.m.: PetSmart, 218 Kentlands Boulevard, Gaithersburg, Maryland
• Sunday, Sept. 15 from 12 p.m.-3 p.m.: PetSmart, 3351 Richmond Highway #10 Alexandria, Virginia

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is a nonprofit that rescues hundreds of animals each year with help from volunteers, foster homes, veterinarians, trainers and boarding facilities. Donations support the costs of rescuing animals not covered by adoption fees. Donations are accepted online, and supply donations for shelter partners can be coordinated.