When historic flooding devastated several Native villages in Alaska in October, families were forced into rapid evacuation, often leaving their beloved pets behind. As communities mobilized emergency shelters and the State of Alaska activated its response, the Office of the State Veterinarian and the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) requested BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Animal Incident Management’s (AIM) expertise to help manage the complex animal welfare crisis unfolding in the aftermath.

AIM’s Executive Director, Eric Thompson, deployed to the SEOC, where we immediately established a key partnership with Transfurline.com to launch a statewide pet hotline. This critical resource served as a lifeline for evacuees—identifying immediate needs, tracking displaced animals, and initiating the essential work of reuniting families with their pets across numerous sheltering locations.

As the response transitioned into long-term recovery, AIM maintains active engagement with the Alaska Pet Task Force. AIM is directly addressing the ongoing challenge of providing extended fostering and care for pets who haven’t yet been reunited with their families. Every disaster presents unique obstacles, and Alaska is no exception. In a demonstration of creative problem-solving, the state is currently facilitating a unique solution that pairs certain displaced pets with a local prison program. Animals that thrive outdoors, rather than in traditional home-based fostering, are receiving consistent, compassionate care from trained participants, ensuring their well-being while their families focus on rebuilding. AIM and Eric are providing feedback, support and involvement wherever needed.

Throughout this entire operation, AIM recognizes and is grateful for the remarkable dedication of Alaska’s local shelters, veterinarians, tribal partners, and animal-services teams. These groups are working tirelessly—often overcoming resource limitations in remote rural environments—to support pets who will require care, fostering, or reunification assistance for the next three to four months as families recover and return home.

AIM is proud to stand alongside these partners. We are actively providing support, coordination, and creative problem-solving to guarantee Alaska’s pets remain safe, cared for, and connected to the families who love them. Whatever needs arise in the coming months—and whatever the future may bring—AIM will continue to be here for Alaska’s animals and communities, leading the effort every step of the way.