LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- People in Southwest Florida are now working to help animals stranded or left homeless by floodwaters in North Carolina after Hurricane Matthew.
"During this past year, this is our fourth rescue effort we feel that it is important to take in dogs from other parts of the country," said Laura Leinen, from the Animal Refuge Center in North Fort Myers.
The ARC is now providing shelter to nearly two dozens displaced dogs and cats.
"We actually helped out the same organization this time after the flooding from Hurricane Joaquin so we had such a good experience taking in animals with them that we were happy to accept more animals this year," said Leinen.
Staff and volunteers making room and accepting the animals is just the first step towards finding them forever homes.
"It's going to be a little hectic for the first couple of days with all these dogs, but they are really great and adoptable, so it's going to be fun," said Connor Murphy, who volunteers at the shelter.
A few of the canines and felines need some medical care before they can be cleared for adoption.
"We have a few that will take a couple months and the other ones should be adoptable in about ten days or two weeks," said Leinen.
Staff and volunteers hoping you make a trip to a shelter if you are looking for a new addition to your family.
"I mean there are so many animals that need great homes it's hard going and purchasing an animal and knowing that all these wonderful dogs and cats are just waiting for a good chance," said Lenin.
