Animals Rescued Before OK Storms Sent To Florida Shelter Due To Overcrowding

Not only are people in Moore displaced, but so are thousands of animals.

Now, some animals from Oklahoma are being sent out of state because of overcrowding in our shelters. These are animals that were there before the tornado hit May 20. People are answering the call for help.

Tornado pets separated from their owners have now overwhelmed shelters in and around Moore.

Complete Coverage: May 2013 Tornado Outbreak

To alleviate the overcrowding, the Boca Raton Florida Tri-county Humane Society journeyed to the tornado zone to rescue dogs already at five of our Oklahoma shelters before the disaster struck.

Driver Vladimir Delva says the 22 hour, 2,600-mile trip with 64 dogs and 16 cats was all worth it.

"Disasters happen with people. They need help. We were there to help them out and I'm glad to be part of the team, our rescue team," Delva said.

The Tri-County Humane Society partners with other rescue organizations to save pets after natural disasters, and answered the call when the mayor of Moore needed a helping hand.

"This is a major undertaking. But we have had lots of experience. We were there for Katrina , we were there in Georgia, we were there in Tennessee to rescue. So we are definitely ready," Suzi Goldsmith said.

The dogs and cats are now undergoing evaluations and being given medical attention if needed.

Each dog and cat costs the humane society $400 from pick up in Oklahoma to the care medical attention in Florida.