Dogs and cats affected by Hurricane Michael arrive at PAWS Chicago from Florida

CHICAGO (WLS) –

The dogs and cats hit by Hurricane Michael arrived in Chicago from Florida on Wednesday morning.

The pets traveled over 1000 km from the hurricane zone to Chicago and the volunteers who brought them here said the trip was worth it.

Patt the dog came limping to PAWS Chicago this morning, recovering from a broken leg after being hit by a car and a kitten arrived with a broken jaw.

Even after the long drive, they seemed delighted to be here.

"I think we're all so relieved to have them here," said Stacey Price, senior director of animal operations at PAWS Chicago. "They are extraordinary animals, being able to live a truly traumatic situation and being able to guarantee life is an incredible experience."

Price was one of the volunteers who went to the Alachua County Humanitarian Society in Gainesville, Florida, to pick up 11 dogs and 24 cats that were brought back from three damaged shelters in the Panhandle area devastated by Hurricane Michael.

"We were going to look after them because we have a full medical center here, so they like to call us because they know these animals will be cared for, all they need," he said. the founder of PAWS, Paula Fasseas.

Each animal will receive comprehensive medical care, vaccinations, microchips, and sterilization or sterilization surgeries as needed. Once medically cleared, they will be available for adoption.

None of the pets have an owner who will look for them, they were already in shelters by the time the hurricane struck. Now, they are hoping to have a new home in Chicago.

"The more homes we have, the more adoptions we have and the more animals we can save," said Fasseas.

Some of the pets may be adopted as early as Thursday at PAWS's premises at 1997 North Clybourn Ave.