Transport Marks Organization’s First Natural Disaster Relief Effort of 2026
BOSTON, Jan. 23, 2026 – More than a dozen dogs are on their way to Massachusetts from Mississippi, which is bracing for impacts of Winter Storm Fern, the MSPCA-Angell announced today.
Eighteen dogs from Oktibbeha County Humane Society are expected to arrive at Worcester Regional Airport the afternoon of January 23, where they will be met by vans that will bring them to the MSPCA-Angell Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem.
“The ASPCA reached out to us when the trajectory of the storm became clearer because it was apparent that many of our regular transport partners were in areas expected to get hit hard,” explained Vice President of the MSPCA-Angell’s Animal Protection Division, Mike Keiley. “One of those partners is Oktibbeha, which was desperate to clear kennel space so they’d be in a better spot to help animals impacted by the storm.”
“When these kinds of events happen, shelters often need space for owned pets that get lost or need temporary housing because their homes are damaged or without power,” he elaborated.
“That’s why it’s important to help not just after a natural disaster, but before, and we’re grateful to be in a position to do so.”
Banding Together to Help Animals in Need
The MSPCA-Angell has a longstanding partnership with the ASPCA, which is handling transport logistics.
“The best way to help the most animals in need is to work together,” Keiley expounded. “This transport is a perfect example of that.”
Massachusetts-based Second Chance Animal Services and Animal Rescue League of Boston will also take in animals from the transport.
“Given how many areas [Winter Storm] Fern is supposed to hit, we know that a lot of animals will be impacted.”
“That being the case, it’s vitally important that any organizations able to help step up, which is what we’re doing—not just now, but also following the storm,” he added.
New Arrivals’ Next Steps
The dogs range in age from three-months to three-years-old and include mixes of Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, poodles, and Great Pyrenees.
Following their arrival, the dogs will serve out their state-mandated 48-hour quarantine and be assessed for any medical or behavioral treatment they may need prior to adoption.
“We’ll work to get these dogs ready to find new homes while also remaining in touch with Oktibbeha and other Southern shelters that may need help,” Keiley said.
“Those areas aren’t as well-equipped to handle winter storms as we are in New England,” he elaborated. “In the past, we’ve seen even a few inches of snow impact travel and power grids, among other things, and humane organizations aren’t immune to that.”
“There are major concerns for the safety of animals in this weather—those in shelters, those that are free-roaming, and those in homes that may be impacted—which is why we’re ready to help now and following the storm.”
Updates on the Mississippi transport will be shared on the MSPCA-Angell’s social media channels.
Those who would like to donate to help support the organization’s natural disaster relief work are asked to give at mspca.org/disaster.
