Yesterday marked a historic milestone for Operation Kindness – and one that demonstrates the incredible scale of need following the Central Texas floods. In a single 24-hour period, we transferred 122 pets into our care, the largest one-day intake in our organization’s history.
This monumental effort represents our unwavering commitment to saying “yes” when animals and shelter partners need us most, even when the challenges seem overwhelming.
Of the new arrivals, 73 were cats and kittens from San Angelo who are facing serious medical challenges. Robyn, like most of the other cats in this group, is suffering from a highly infectious upper respiratory infection.
So far, we’ve also confirmed 15 cases of ringworm, a condition that requires more than 30 days of intensive treatment and significant resources to manage properly.
Among our new arrivals are two mother cats with 11 babies between them, as well as four orphaned neonatal kittens that require round-the-clock care.
The remaining animals were large dogs and one cat from our trip to Williamson County, where we created shelter space for flood-displaced pets. Three of the dogs will need major surgery, which our veterinary teams will perform.
This massive intake comes at a particularly challenging time – our cat rooms are currently undergoing renovations, making space and care coordination even more complex. But when animals need us, we find a way to make it work. Our entire team and the community have rallied to provide these animals with the medical care, space, and love they desperately need.
Right now, we need your help more than ever. The medical costs alone for treating ringworm cases, multiple respiratory infections, and caring for newborn kittens will be substantial. Every donation goes directly toward medical treatment, food, supplies, and the resources needed to help all the animals in our care.
Your generosity allows us to continue saying “yes” to animals in crisis, regardless of the complexity or cost. Because of you, right now, 122 animals are receiving the lifesaving care they need.
More on our emergency response:
- To create space for pets being transferred to Carrollton from flood impacted regions, Operation Kindness is waiving all animal adoption fees starting now through Sunday, July 13.
- To prepare for and accommodate incoming animals from Texas floods, Operation Kindness has put out a call for donations and Amazon wish list for everyday items such as paper towels, puppy pads, nylabones, blankets and bath towels and cat toys.
- The organization is also urgently asking for community fosters to care for available animals in homes, especially for large dogs and ringworm positive cats, creating more space at the shelter for new arrivals. Foster applications are not necessary – just walk into the Earhart shelter and an Operation Kindness staff member will get foster volunteers equipped with everything that is needed.
“Our teams are coordinating efforts with other organizations to be as impactful as possible,” said Ed Jamison, CEO of Operation Kindness. “As a large organization, we’re able to provide a wide range of services, from pet transport to free pet food, and each department is committed to being part of the relief and rebuild efforts.”
Sustained Support Through Recovery
Operation Kindness officials stress that their comprehensive timing and services distinguish their disaster response efforts. While the organization provides quick-turnaround animal intake services, it also commits to providing resources and support after the initial shock subsides.
“We’re providing a very comprehensive level of support,” said Meredith Jones, Chief Community Initiatives Officer of Operation Kindness. “Not only are we bringing animals into our care with quick turnaround, but we’re also sending our pantry team to provide resources for disaster survivors. We’re also committed to providing relief, resources, and services after the initial outpouring of help has dissipated.”
How the Public Can Help
Operation Kindness has established multiple ways for the public to support flood relief efforts. The organization’s Amazon Wishlist serves as the primary channel for supply donations, allowing supporters to send needed items directly to the organization. General monetary donations are also welcome and will be used to fund ongoing operations throughout the organization.
