Updated Sep. 26, 2019 2:25 PM
Following Imelda's severe flooding in southeastern Texas, hundreds of animals remain without a home -- and shelters have been working around the clock to reunite pet owners with their beloved furry family members.
During Imelda's flooding, some people left behind their pets as they were forced to leave in a hurry -- something that experts at animal shelters discourage. In other cases, severe weather , like the conditions unleashed during Imelda, can blast open gates, blow over fences and make lots of noise, which can spook animals and make them run away despite owner's best efforts to get them to safety.
Beaumont Animal Care worked around the clock to rescue animals following Imelda's flooding rainfall, according to the organization's Facebook page on Sept. 21, 2019. (Facebook / Beaumont Animal Care)
The AccuWeather network spoke with Beaumont Animal Care, based in Beaumont, Texas, about ongoing pet reunion efforts following the storm.
"Beaumont Animal Care would like everyone affected by TS Imelda to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them during this trying time. The community came together and got through Harvey and we will get through Imelda," Beaumont Animal Care said in a Sept. 21 Facebook post.
"Our officers have been out in the field rescuing animals that have been stranded in the rising flood waters, wading through waist-deep water and wrangling snakes to get to them," the Facebook post stated.
Viviana Lopez, adoption and social media coordinator for Beaumont Animal Care, told AccuWeather that calls started to come in when the rain slowed down from Imelda.
"Since Friday the 20th we've been picking up animals. We had about 44 come in so far," Lopez said.
Many of the rescued animals are being cared for by Beaumont Animal Care. Lopez said multiple pets have been reunited with their owners, but there are still many animals left without their family.
"We always want to help reunite pets with their families, we don't want them to stay here. We want them to get reunited as soon as possible. They can check our Facebook, we have an album for all of our Imelda pets," Lopez said.
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Female Shih Tzu mix picked up from the 100 block of Marceline in Beaumont, Texas. The Beaumont Animal Care group said the puppy weighs 5 pounds and is between 3 to 4 months old. (Facebook / Beaumont Animal Care)
"On Tuesday was the first day we reopened the shelter to the public, so we've had a lot of people come in to search for their missing pets. We've had about 10 animals reclaimed so far," Lopez said.
To prepare before a storm, Lopez said it is a great idea for pet owners to have pictures that are up to date, so they are able to track down their pet and verify it is theirs.
"Microchip is always another thing we suggest for pet owners its a great way for you to insure your pet is getting back to you since most vet clinics and animal shelters will scan for a microchip," Lopez said.
If you are trying to find your pet, Lopez said you can give the shelter a call.
Lopez stressed to pet owners to make sure they always keep their pets secure and do not leave them behind.
"If you can take them, take them with you," Lopez said.
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Other organizations have been helping to ensure that animals rescued during Imelda receive proper care.
"We are fortunate enough to have the humane society and air transport help us take 125 of our animals to the humane society in Tulsa so that we could make more space for animals impacted from Imelda. So we are just glad that we've been able to receive the help and support we have," Lopez said.
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