Hilton Head Island, October 5, 2025
News Summary
In a proactive move to protect both residents and animals, Hilton Head Island successfully evacuated 69 unowned shelter cats ahead of Hurricane Imelda. Coordinated by the Hilton Head Humane Association with assistance from Beaufort County Animal Services and the ASPCA, the cats were safely transported to a recovery facility in Columbus, Ohio. This evacuation not only saved their lives but also cleared space in local shelters for future rescues. The cats will undergo health checks before being made available for adoption.
Hilton Head Island Evacuates 69 Shelter Cats Ahead of Hurricane Imelda
Hilton Head Island has taken proactive measures to protect its community and its animals as Hurricane Imelda threatens the area. Local residents and animal services have mobilized to prepare for potential impacts, leading to a swift and organized evacuation of shelter cats.
The Hilton Head Humane Association (HHHA) coordinated a life-saving effort to transport 69 unowned shelter cats to a recovery facility in Columbus, Ohio. This operation received assistance from Beaufort County Animal Services and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The evacuation began immediately following South Carolina’s state of emergency declaration made by Governor Henry McMaster on September 26.
In light of the approaching storm, the HHHA and Beaufort County Animal Services acted quickly to ensure the safety of the animals. The ASPCA dispatched a team to evaluate the cats, selecting specific candidates for safe transport. Within 72 hours of the emergency declaration, the evacuation team loaded the selected cats into vehicles for a 10-hour journey to Ohio.
This relocation not only preserved the lives of these 69 cats but also allowed the local shelter to clear 57 kennels, creating space for other animals in need after the storm has passed. The cats successfully arrived at the Columbus recovery facility on September 30, after Hurricane Imelda shifted away from the coast.
According to ASPCA’s senior director of operations, the importance of proactive disaster planning for animal welfare cannot be understated. The recovery center in Columbus functions as a hub for animals displaced by disasters, cruelty, or overcrowded shelters across the U.S. The 69 cats will undergo a health check and quarantine period before becoming available for adoption in their new location.
Preparedness for both shelters and pet owners ahead of potential disasters is crucial, particularly as the Atlantic hurricane season runs until November 30. Residents are encouraged to regularly refresh their evacuation plans and emergency kits. South Carolina’s active hurricane season occurs from June 1 to November 30 and highlights the need for continual awareness and readiness.
Beaufort County has made significant changes to its hurricane evacuation plans, reducing the overall evacuation area by about 250 square miles. It is imperative for residents to familiarize themselves with evacuation zones and routes before a storm strikes. Beaufort County is classified as zone A, the area closest to the coast, which receives earlier evacuation orders compared to zones B and C.
FAQ
What prompted the evacuation of the cats on Hilton Head Island?
Hurricane Imelda posed a threat to Hilton Head Island, prompting local residents and animal services to prepare for potential impacts.
How many shelter cats were evacuated?
69 unowned shelter cats were transported to a recovery facility in Columbus, Ohio.
Which organizations participated in the evacuation?
The evacuation was coordinated by the Hilton Head Humane Association, with assistance from Beaufort County Animal Services and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
What will happen to the cats after arriving in Columbus?
The 69 cats will undergo a health check and quarantine before being available for adoption in their new location.
What changes have been made to Beaufort County’s hurricane evacuation plans?
Beaufort County has made significant changes to hurricane evacuation plans, shrinking the overall evacuation area by about 250 square miles.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Evacuated Cats | 69 shelter cats relocated to Columbus, Ohio. |
| Organizations Involved | Hilton Head Humane Association, Beaufort County Animal Services, ASPCA. |
| Timing of Evacuation | Evacuation initiated within 72 hours of emergency declaration. |
| Health Check | Cats will undergo health check and quarantine before adoption. |
| Location Sent To | Recovery facility in Columbus, Ohio. |
| Impact of Evacuation | 57 kennels cleared at local shelter for animals in need. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hilton Head Island Committee Moves to Evict Airport Cat Colony
Hilton Head Airport’s No-Feeding Policy Threatens Local Cat Colony
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: South Carolina News
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Season
- Island Packet: Local News
- Google Search: Hurricane Imelda
- WRDW: SC Agencies Prepare for Hurricane Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- Island Packet: Local Updates
- Google News: South Carolina Evacuation
- WTOC: Heavy Law Enforcement Presence for Evacuation Exercise
- WLTX: State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Debby
- Your Island News: Beaufort County Hurricane Preparedness
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
