In a rush to escape Hurricane Irma’s wrath, there were reports innocent dogs and cats were abandoned by their owners. Others escaped yards and enclosures as high wind wreaked havoc. As the animals were captured in the hurricane’s aftermath, shelters were quickly running out of space. To make more room, Palm Tran worked with rescue groups to provide bus transportation for about 200 dogs and cats from shelters to Palm Beach International Airport. Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control coordinated air transportation for the animals, many of which had been at the shelters prior to the storm. The animals were flown north to shelters in New York and New Hampshire in the hopes of finding forever homes, creating the space desperately needed for the influx of animals to Florida shelters.

“Community service is at the heart of everything we do at Palm Tran and that includes serving the four-legged members of our community in a time of need,” Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes said.

“Our experience with Palm Tran was fantastic. The drivers were great, and everyone involved was thrilled to be part of this endeavor to move our adoptable dogs and cats to our northern state partners. On behalf of the staff, volunteers, and animals, we thank you.” said Dianne Sauve of Animal Care and Control.

Palm Tran utilized four buses, included a 60-foot articulated bus, for transporting the pets. The effort involved multiple trips and took two days.