COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Paws Humane Society and Florida Urgent Rescue joined together to help animals that are victims of Hurricane Idalia.

The collaboration aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and give sanctuary to animals in the hurricane’s path. Paws rescued 27 cats from Collier and Madison counties in Florida whose shelters were impacted by the storm.

Courtney Pierce, Executive Director of Paws Humane Society, shared her thoughts on the partnership.

“We’re not just shelters, we’re the voice of these voiceless beings,” said Pierce. “In times of crisis, our unity becomes our strength. By working hand in hand with Florida Urgent Rescue, we can achieve so much more than we could alone.”

For the past few years, Paws and Florida Urgent Rescue have saved over 500 animals during disaster relief efforts.

“Without partnerships like this, they (the animals) would just kind of be stuck,” said Pierce. “You know, and I can’t imagine being in that situation where you’re in this hurricane and you have all these animals and you know that afterwards you’re going to have an influx of animals and just, you know, just trying to figure out what to do with them would be incredibly difficult.”

Pierce says the cats rescued from Florida will be available for adoption once they receive their vaccinations and are spayed or neutered.

Paws Humane says the effort is not without challenges, as an influx of animals would cause an increased need for funding to cover costs of medical care, nourishment, and other support.

“We invite the community, near and far, to stand with us in this pivotal moment,” Pierce said. “Your contributions, no matter the size, have the power to rewrite the stories of these animals and offer them a brighter future.”

For more information, go to pawshumane.org.