As Hurricane Milton approaches, the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA) is actively supporting communities and their pets by helping to provide critical coordination and resources to ensure animal welfare is prioritized during this challenging time. For weeks, we’ve been behind the scenes helping coordinate efforts for Hurricane Helene’s recovery, and now we’re doubling down to assist with Milton. While we are not always the ones physically on the ground, our focus is on orchestrating efforts across multiple organizations and agencies to make sure resources and support are effectively deployed.
NACA’s role has been supporting and facilitating collaboration between multiple organizations, including federal partners and other national groups as part of the National Animal Sheltering Rescue Coalition. We help ensure that the many agencies involved—whether they are conducting field assessments, leading recovery missions, or staffing temporary shelters. We are also in regular contact with the Red Cross to ensure that animal welfare needs are part of the overall emergency response plans. As a coordinating body, we strive to make sure that all partners work seamlessly together, so human and animal services are aligned and optimized.
NACA is currently embedded in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in North Carolina, where we have been supporting coordination efforts for Hurricane Helene. As the situation develops with Hurricane Milton, we’re working to help fulfill activated MOUs to bring additional support to Georgia, where we’ll continue to act as a central communication and strategy hub. By maintaining a presence in these EOCs, we ensure that the right agencies are connected, informed, and able to respond quickly to changing needs.
We want to take a moment to thank all the animal control officers, shelter staff, emergency responders, and volunteers who have been working around the clock—often juggling both their daily duties and disaster response coordination. You are the boots on the ground making all of this possible, and we deeply appreciate the tireless work you do. While the demands are high and the pressure intense, we encourage you to prioritize taking care of yourselves and your families. Your well-being is just as important as the essential work you’re doing for your communities. Lean on each other, take breaks when you can, and remember that the NACA team is here to support and coordinate efforts to make sure you have what you need.
We’re in this together. Stay safe, and thank you for all you do!
— The NACA Team
