As communities across Texas continue to recover from catastrophic flooding, animal welfare groups across the country have stepped in to help. Best Friends Animal Society is working closely with local shelters and rescue organizations in the region, coordinating the relocation of adoptable pets who were already in shelters before the disaster. By moving these animals out of state, shelters in Texas can focus on caring for lost and displaced pets—and ultimately, reuniting them with their families.
One such relocation effort brought a team from the Fredericksburg SPCA to Richmond to receive six dogs and six cats from a Wings of Rescue flight. These animals were bound for new beginnings in Virginia. But, as is often the case in rescue work, the plan didn’t unfold quite as expected.
Just hours before the flight, a kitten at the Fredericksburg SPCA tested positive for feline panleukopenia—a highly contagious and often fatal virus that spreads rapidly among unvaccinated kittens.
“Kitten season means hundreds of vulnerable, unvaccinated, and fragile lives in need of urgent care coming to our doors,” said Kathleen Daley-Becker, Animal Care Manager at the Fredericksburg SPCA. “Illness is, unfortunately, inevitable in animal sheltering. Our trained staff takes every precaution to respond quickly and contain outbreaks with contact tracing and isolation.”
The timing couldn’t have been more difficult. As Fred SPCA staff arrived at the Richmond airport to meet the incoming transport, they were informed that their entire facility would be placed under a 14-day precautionary quarantine for cats—meaning no feline could enter or leave the shelter.
“No cats in, no cats out,” said Von Young, Director of Communications for the Fredericksburg SPCA. “This situation highlights how animal rescue truly requires a collaborative effort. The day-to-day is constantly evolving and filled with problem-solving challenges.”
Thankfully, the Fredericksburg SPCA wasn’t alone. Thanks to swift coordination and a local rescue partner, Squishy Face Crew, the six cats were redirected and safely transferred into their care.
While the original plan hit an unexpected bump, the outcome was still a success—12 animals from flood-impacted shelters found safe landing in Virginia, and every partner involved stepped up to meet the moment.
“We’re deeply grateful to our national and local partners,” Young added. “It’s this kind of teamwork that makes lifesaving possible—especially when things don’t go according to plan.”
