The Humane Society of Missouri sent an eight-person Disaster Response Team to Georgia to prepare to evacuate animals in shelters along Georgia’s east coast in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Matthew later this week.

The trip came at the request of the Atlanta Humane Society.

Capable of transporting more than 200 animals at any one time, the team is equipped with six vehicles and a rescue boat: two climate-controlled animal transport trailers, two animal transport Sprinters and two personnel support vehicles. The professionally trained and experienced team also is prepared to perform post-storm field and swift water animal rescue if necessary.

“We are very proud we can respond quickly and competently to help keep animals safe in light of this impending, large disaster,” said Kathy Warnick, president, Humane Society of Missouri. “Should the need arise, our team also is prepared to rescue animals in all types of situations in the aftermath of the storm. We sincerely thank our donors for supporting all of our efforts to help animals in need.”