PAWS Chicago’s disaster relief program began in 2005 when the organization took in more than 200 pets in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, according to the shelter. Since then, PAWS has rescued pets from areas impacted by Hurricane Helene last year and rescued 33 dogs from Houston shelters after storms in 2023.

A Chicago animal rescue organization is helping overwhelmed pet shelters in Texas in the wake of devastating floods. PAWS Chicago has taken in nearly two dozen dogs from shelters in Texas, and more are on the way.