In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Humane Society of Charlotte (HSC) is committed to supporting our neighbors in Western North Carolina. Here’s how we’re assisting in relief efforts and how you can help.

HSC’s Relief Efforts

HSC is in regular communication with partner shelters and organizations like the ASPCA and HSUS to provide support. Our staff have been involved in airlift and ground transports, relocating dogs and cats that were available for adoption before Hurricane Helene, from Asheville and surrounding rural shelters to Charlotte. These efforts are made possible through partnerships with the BISSELL Pet Foundation and the ASPCA.

We expect to receive around 100 animals in need this week. All of these animals will receive specialized medical care and behavioral support before being made available for adoption.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our amazing HSC volunteers who have stepped up to help, as well as our dedicated staff, who are working tirelessly through this effort.

How You Can Help

  • Adopt a Pet: Every adoption helps us make space for incoming animals affected by the hurricane. A special thank you to the Bissel Pet Foundation for making this possible.
  • Donate: We are triaging and treating medical cases. Our Pet Food Bank is also running low on supplies, and we urgently need dog and cat food (wet and/or dry) in original packaging (even if opened). Make a monetary donation here.
    • Please note: HSC is not transporting supply donations directly to WNC. For a list of places to drop supply donations for WNC, click here.
  • Support Asheville Shelters: Donations can also be made directly to Asheville Humane Society (ashevillehumane.org) or Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (bwar.org).

Adoption

Our shelter is located at 1348 Parker Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208. We’re open:

  • Sunday-Thursday: 11am-5pm
  • Friday: 11am-7pm
  • Saturday: 11am-6pm

Adoptions are first-come, first-served, and you can view available animals at humanecharlotte.org/adoption.

Fostering

Many have asked about fostering, and we truly appreciate your support! While HSC currently has a strong foster base and does not need additional fosters at this time, we encourage you to consider fostering with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control (CMACC). CMACC is always in need of foster homes to support their ongoing animal care efforts.

If you’re interested in becoming a foster with us for future needs, please apply at humanecharlotte.org/foster.

Volunteering and Staying Updated

Certified, trained teams are currently working in the affected regions. If you’re interested in volunteering, visit ASPCA.org for more information on how you can assist. If you would like to help us on-site at HSC as a volunteer, visit humanecharlotte.org/volunteer to get started.

For updates on our hurricane relief efforts, follow us on social media @humanecharlotte and visit humanecharlotte.org/wnc.

Supporting Western North Carolina (WNC) Organizations

Each organization has specific needs, and direct support makes the greatest impact.

  • Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (BWAR): bwar.org — BWAR safely moved their animals into foster homes before the storm, but they lost their building and will need to rebuild completely.
  • Asheville Humane Society: ashevillehumane.org

Media

You can view recent media coverage of our hurricane relief efforts on WCNC, WSOC, QC News.

Together, we can make a difference for the animals and communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Thank you for your continued support! 💙🐾