ST. CLAIR COUNTY - St. Clair County animal shelter officials and volunteers relocated dozens of animals as severe storms and the threat of flash flooding on Monday, May 18, 2026, raised concerns that rising water could overtake the facility, according to county officials and the shelter director.
St. Clair County Animal Control staff, assisted by the County Public Building Commission, worked to evacuate animals from the County Animal Control Facility as storms “continued to move over the area for the past several hours, increasing the possibility of flash flooding,” the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency said. An update posted at 5:45 p.m. said 49 dogs and 20 cats had been relocated.
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Shelter Director Ashley Jett said the evacuation was ordered as conditions worsened.
"Yesterday (Monday) was a stressful and emotional day for our team as severe storms and the threat of flash flooding forced an emergency relocation of the animals at the St. Clair County Animal Services & Adoption Center," Jett said. "Thanks to quick action, teamwork, and incredible community support, 49 dogs and 20 cats were safely evacuated before conditions worsened.
"We are beyond grateful to the organizations that immediately stepped in to help:
Belleville Area Humane Society for taking in 1 dog, 3 cats, and 9 kittens
Helping Strays for housing 8 of our dogs, along with 7 kittens and 1 cat
Gateway Pet Guardians for bringing kennels, transporting our fractious cats safely, and helping get everyone settled in for the evening.
"A huge thank you as well to Hanks Excavating for providing pallets of sandbags to help secure the building, along with the County Public Building Commission and everyone involved in coordinating efforts during the evacuation."
Jett continued: "Most importantly, we want to recognize our staff who never hesitated, never backed down, and worked tirelessly to get every animal out safely and efficiently. And to our volunteers, thank you for continuing to show up for these animals time and time again.
"No matter the circumstance, you never fail us, and yesterday was no exception. Your willingness to jump in, help wherever needed, and support both the animals and staff means more than words can express. Yesterday was a true example of what can happen when a community comes together for the animals. We are incredibly thankful for every person who stepped up to help."
The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency credited partner organizations for taking in animals during the relocation, including Belleville Area Humane Society, Helping Strays, and Gateway Pet Guardians. The emergency management agency also thanked those groups for responding to help.
"The St. Clair County Animal Control staff, assisted by the County Public Building Commission members, worked to evacuate animals from the County Animal Control Facility as the storms have continued to train over our area the past several hours, increasing the possibility of flash flooding," the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency's Herb Simmons said in a social media post.
"Chairman (Mark) Kern made the proactive decision to relocate the animals as waters continue to rise in the area. County Board Member/Chairman of the Animal Services Committee Bob Trentman was on site working with Animal Services Director Ashley Jett to coordinate the relocation prior to the situation worsening. Special thanks to Hanks Excavating for providing multiple pallets of sandbags to assist in securing the building should the flood waters rise higher."
The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency said what occurred on Monday is something the agency will have to contend with until a future shelter home is finished later in 2026.
