East Bay SPCA Welcomed Five Hurricane-Relief Dogs

Oakland residents can now support pets relocated from Hawaii after Hurricane Lowell left local shelters overwhelmed.

Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Dogs

Gouache-painted illustration of two dogs resting in a sunlit shelter space, representing community support for displaced pets.
The East Bay SPCA in Oakland has accepted five dogs transferred from Hawaii following the devastating impact of Hurricane Lowell in September. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The East Bay SPCA has accepted five dogs transferred from the Kauai Humane Society following a massive influx of animals caused by Hurricane Lowell. These dogs arrived in California in early October to receive care at the Oakland facility.

Why it matters

Hurricane Lowell struck Kauai around Labor Day, overwhelming local rescue capacity with more than 200 displaced animals. This transfer helps alleviate the strain on island resources by moving adoptable pets to the mainland.

Five dogs were relocated from Kauai to the East Bay SPCA in Oakland. This effort follows a significant surge in shelter intake after the storm left more than 200 animals needing support.

The players

East Bay SPCA

An Oakland-based animal welfare organization that provides adoption services, veterinary care, and humane education to the community.

Kauai Humane Society

A Hawaii-based animal shelter that provides critical rescue services and emergency support for displaced pets in the Kauai region.

The details

The Kauai Humane Society managed an influx of animals after Hurricane Lowell damaged the region around Labor Day. To provide necessary care and space for local pets, the shelter transferred five dogs to the East Bay SPCA in Oakland. The dogs arrived in two groups, with one arriving the previous week and four arriving on Thursday.

Timeline

  1. Hurricane Lowell struck Kauai around Labor Day in September 2026.

  2. One dog arrived at the East Bay SPCA during the week of October 2, 2026.

  3. Four dogs arrived at the East Bay SPCA on October 8, 2026.

The Home Front

This transfer follows established disaster-response protocols designed to redistribute shelter populations when regional capacity is exceeded by extreme weather events. These partnerships are a standard tool used by shelters to manage capacity during post-disaster recovery periods.

Residents interested in supporting these displaced pets should monitor the East Bay SPCA website for upcoming adoption opportunities. Consider checking the shelter's current intake list if you are looking to expand your family with a rescued pet.

The takeaway

Disaster-related pet transfers are a vital way for animal welfare organizations to manage capacity after extreme weather events. If you are considering adding a pet to your home, contact local shelters like the East Bay SPCA to ask about the intake status of displaced animals.

Further reading

Learn more about local rescue efforts and pet adoption in our Dogs section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Hawaiinewsnow.

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Do you trust that local animal shelters are adequately prepared for sudden disaster-related surges in animals?