Disaster Relief Program
Over the years Southern Paws has become a national asset in the field of disaster relief. We developed our deployment program in 2016 and have since responded to almost every natural disaster in the U.S. to aid in relief efforts and animal search and rescue.
Our team is ready to respond to any natural disaster at a moment’s notice. The Southern Paws Search and Rescue Team has rescued thousands of animals, small and large, and has operated in storms such as Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Laura, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Matthew, and the 2016 Louisiana Floods.
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Our Search and Rescue team consists of highly trained individuals, which include prior and current first responders, animal rescuers, volunteers & military personnel trained and certified. Our team is made up of amazing volunteers who donate their time to assist the public in these times of need.
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Our number one priority is to reunite families with their lost pets.
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We have developed a transport network of approved Transporters, Sending and Receiving rescues in order to help get animals evacuated before the storms, to assist with those who are surrendered due to loss of home, and those who are not claimed after their official mandated stray hold.
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​All animals are medically evaluated and have health certificates upon leaving our care and making their journeys to their receiving locations.
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We have acquired many rescue partners and have wonderful partnerships with other rescues and deployment teams to reach this goal. These situations are truly Teamwork Dream work moments and we couldn't be more grateful for the team we have built.
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Southern Paws is proud to stand alongside our partners in times of crisis, providing lifesaving animal rescue and relief when it’s needed most.
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Our disaster relief work honors the resilience of communities affected by major natural disasters, including:
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Louisiana Floods (2016)
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Hurricane Harvey (2017)
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Hurricane Michael (2018)
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Hurricane Dorian (2019)
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Hurricanes Laura and Sally (2020)
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Hurricane Ida & the Western Kentucky Tornado (2021)
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Hurricane Ian & the Kentucky Floods (2022)
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Hurricane Helene (2024)
As seen on...
The Jennifer Hudson Show
Southern Paws was featured on The Jennifer Hudson Show in a special “Hurricane Heroes” segment highlighting everyday volunteers helping communities recover after Hurricane Helene. Founder Ashley and United Cajun Navy partners were recognized for their work reuniting missing people and pets with their families and supporting broader search and rescue efforts in the wake of widespread flooding.