HOUSTON, Texas – The recent flooding in Texas’s Hill Country has caused devastating losses, not only for people, but for countless animals.
From beloved pets to ranch livestock, the damage is widespread and heartbreaking.
Kerrville Pets Alive Chairwoman Karen Guerriero described the situation as “very fluid,” with authorities still unable to access certain areas along the Guadalupe River. The documented devastation is unimaginable.
“How many pets have been killed due to this flooding?” we asked.
“Hundreds, hundreds, if not a thousand,” Guerriero said. “There’s wildlife everywhere and livestock, and that’s unfortunate as well.”
The search for survivors is grim. Guerriero likened it to “looking for a speck of soap in an unraveling loofa,” with bodies entangled in debris.
Many volunteers with Kerrville Pets Alive, a nonprofit devoted to saving homeless pets in Kerr County, have been personally affected by the loss.
“We instantly started a database, which basically notes pets’ descriptions and their whereabouts, if they’re lost or found, and we even include deceased pets,” Guerriero explained. “That database has grown, and we’re using it to communicate with Kerr County Animal Services as well as area vets and first responders.”
Nearby Gillespie County, home to Hill Country SPCA, is also grappling with the aftermath. Executive Director Andrew Davis said the shelter is expecting a continued influx of animals as neighboring communities uncover more damage.
“We’re purposefully leaving kennel space open,” Davis said. “Every day is different.”
The crisis extends beyond pets. Livestock and wildlife have perished in the rising waters. Ken Yancey, executive director of the Exotic Wildlife Association,, spoke about the widespread impact.
“Up and down the Guadalupe River, the Pedernales River, and others, rising waters have deposited debris, scattered animals, and, unfortunately, lost animals,” Yancey said. “Fences are down, access to feed is impacted, and the damage is extensive.”
Yancey described rivers littered with whitetail deer and other wildlife swept from their habitats, now lying on riverbanks.
“One of our ranches in Burnet had water deposit debris in their ponds, and their fencing is down,” he said. “Because of saturated ground, they can’t access it until things dry out.”
Despite the devastation, the community is rallying to support farmers and ranchers. Yancey said many have offered help with pens, locating and moving animals, and feed stores have donated hay and other supplies.
For those looking to help, organizers urge monetary donations as the most effective way to support recovery efforts.
