MSPCA-Angell Transports Dozens of Dogs Out of Danger Ahead of Hurricane Isaias

Organization Helps Free Up Shelter Space for Animals Expected to Be Displaced by Storm 

BOSTON, Oct. 9, 2026 – The MSPCA-Angell’s Natural Disaster Relief program is mobilizing to assist impacted areas ahead of Hurricane Isaias—the first hurricane of the Atlantic season.

The organization, in an effort with the Bissell Pet Foundation, is transporting roughly 30 dogs from Greater Birmingham Humane Society in Alabama, bringing them to safety in Massachusetts.

“This is a multi-faceted operation ahead of the storm,” explained MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “Animals are being evacuated from shelters in the projected hurricane path and moving to Greater Birmingham, but they can’t house those animals unless they move some of their own population out. That’s where we come in.”

“We’re taking some of their dogs, so those that are evacuated before the storm have a place to go, and then shelters in the storm path will have space should animals be displaced and need temporary care.”

The dogs are expected to arrive at Beverly Regional Airport the afternoon of October 9, where MSPCA-Angell vans will meet them and bring them to the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem.

Disaster Response Phase One

The dogs range in age from roughly two-months to 11-years-old and include breed mixes of German shepherds, terriers, poodles, pit bulls, chihuahuas, huskies, and Labrador retrievers. They are expected to be ready for adoption following their state-mandated 48-hour quarantine and after receiving any medical or behavioral care they may need.

“This is phase one of our response,” Keiley elaborated. “It’s important to free up space prior to a storm, but impacted shelters may also need assistance after the hurricane moves out.”

According to Keiley, that could include sending MSPCA-Angell staff to impacted areas or bringing up additional animals that were already in shelters to ensure local staff have resources to care for animals impacted by the storm.

“Our mission is to protect animals and relieve suffering, whether here in Massachusetts or elsewhere in the country, and we’re grateful to have the resources to help in situations like this,” he said. “We wouldn’t be able to do so without support from the community.”

Anyone who would like to donate to help support the recent arrivals and the MSPCA-Angell’s Natural Disaster Relief program are asked to give at mspca.org/hurricane.

“We’re also always in need of adopters and fosters,” Keiley added. “The more space we have in our shelters, the more animals we’ll be able to help as hurricane season continues.”

The MSPCA-Angell will post updates on the Alabama transport on its social media channels as they become available.

More information on fostering may be found at mspca.org/foster. Those interested in adopting are asked to visit any of the organization’s four shelters (in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod) during open hours.