In the early morning hours of July 4, heavy rainfall (nearly a foot of rain) came down in Texas Hill Country and caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in less than an hour. 

The widespread flash flooding (among the deadliest in state history) has so far claimed the lives of over 100 people and numerous animals, with many still missing.

One of the hardest hit areas was Kerr County, including a summer camp - Camp Mystic- for girls located on the banks of the river.

“I had the opportunity yesterday to visit Camp Mystic to see firsthand what happened there,” states Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “It was nothing short of horrific."

An intense search continues for the 11 girls missing as the families and community mourn at least 27 girls and counselors and many more residents killed by the floods. 

Camp Mystic posted on their website, "Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly."

Kerr County Sheriff's Office posted, "Search and rescue operations continue, with a full response from local, state, and national first responders. We continue to have hundreds of officers, deputies, and support staff working every aspect of this emergency, along with air, water, K9, and other assets conducting search and rescue."

Gov. Abbott shared that search and rescue teams saved over 850 people in the devastated areas, with some found clinging to trees. They are doing all they can to reunite families. 

The Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA) shared a photo showing the toll the catastrophic loss is taking on rescuers. They wrote, "WHEN THE BADGES BREAK. This powerful image says it all — even the strongest carry the weight. As rescue and recovery efforts continue in the wake of the Kerrville floods, we ask you to keep praying. For the families grieving unthinkable loss. For the first responders pushing through heartbreak to keep going."

Homes have been washed away or completely flooded displacing countless survivors and pets. Local animal shelters like Austin Pets Alive! and Kerrville Pets Alive are helping with pet rescue missions, medical care, and supplies for animals in need. The shelters have taken in dozens of lost animals and are attempting to reunite them with their owners. 

They are in desperate need of supplies, funds, and fosters to help care for the rescued animals until they can be reunited with their families.

Kerrville Pets Alive shared that they are honoring the deceased pets they find as well and wrote, "Every pet we find matters and will be remembered. Deceased pets from the flood will be retrieved and cremated if we are not able to find their owners. They will not be left behind."

Austin Pets Alive! shared a heartbreaking story about a dog named Superman found in a pile of debris that was once his home. His owner sadly perished in the flood, and he was scared and hesitant to go with rescuers. They finally earned his trust and brought him to his extended family members.

The shelter shared, "His surviving family, now grieving and having lost everything, are doing everything they can to hold on to the last piece of their past that remains–Superman. But they can’t do it alone, so we quickly got to work to find their beloved pet a temporary foster until they get back on their feet."

How You Can Help

Animals continue to arrive in need of food and care. Our partner, Greater Good Charities, is working with local organizations to deliver aid to people and pets in need. Join us in lending a helping hand by donating today. 

From providing critical supplies to supporting local animal shelters, your donation can help save lives and bring relief to those impacted. Please give now to support flood-affected communities in Texas.