20 Years After Katrina: Humane Society of Louisiana Recalls Pet Rescue
Effort, Creates Disaster Relief Fund

New Orleans, LA — [AUGUST 26, 2025] — Twenty years ago this week, the Humane Society of Louisiana (HSLA) was at the heart of one of the largest animal rescue efforts in history. Founded in 1988, the New Orleans-based charity focuses on cruelty investigation and prevention around the state. The group operated a private animal shelter in the city in August of 2005, when it became clear they were in the path of the devastating storm.

HSLA evacuated 157 shelter animals and dozens of personal pets before Katrina made landfall, but the group sadly lost its shelter and thrift store in the storm’s aftermath. With just a handful of staff members and volunteers – most in exile from their homes – HSLA went on to rescue, foster, reunite, and rehome nearly 1800 animals, with the help of more than 500 volunteers from across the U.S. and Canada. It’s estimated that close to 20,000 pets were saved in the overall rescue effort, while tens of thousands perished.

At its rural evacuation property in Tylertown, Mississippi — purchased just months before the hurricane — HSLA transformed the modest grounds into Camp Katrina, an emergency relief center that became a beacon of hope for displaced animals and a makeshift campground for volunteers. Scores of national charities and animal control agencies also converged at the site to lend a hand. In difficult conditions – with no electricity and in the sweltering heat – Camp Katrina provided veterinary care, coordinated nationwide pet transports, reunited families, distributed pet food and supplies, and provided long-term sanctuary care for animals who never found homes.

“Camp Katrina was born out of necessity, determination and love,” says Jeff Dorson, founder and Executive Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana; Dorson lived and worked at the site for many months, before he was able to return home to New Orleans. “We had lost everything, but because of the kindness of strangers, we were able to help thousands of animals. Those memories continue to inspire us.”

Honoring a Legacy: The Johnna Harris Disaster Relief & Readiness Fund

At this milestone anniversary, HSLA is honoring the memory of its late Vice President and Director of Animal Services, Johnna Harris, who passed away from cancer in 2019. Harris helped spearhead the organization’s Katrina evacuation and relief effort and led on-the-ground response efforts in many subsequent disasters.

To carry her vision forward, HSLA is launching the Johnna Harris Disaster Relief & Readiness Fund, a permanent fund which will raise needed resources for HSLA’s disaster related projects.

The Johnna Harris Katrina Memorial Garden will also be established, with sponsorship opportunities for bricks and benches available soon. The immediate campaign fundraising goal is $200,000.00 with proceeds to be dedicated to disaster preparedness projects which Johnna specifically wanted to see completed.

Initial projects to be undertaken in her name at the charity’s Enoch J. Donaldson Animal Sanctuary in Mount Hermon, Louisiana, include:
● Constructing a pole barn for large animal rescue housing;
● Building a dog exercise yard and installing new perimeter fencing for added security;
● Creating a veterinary care and treatment room for emergencies, which will also be used for low cost spay/neuter clinics;
● Installing tornado shelters at two rural sanctuary properties in response to increased severe weather.

“Johnna never left an animal behind. This fund and the planned memorial garden allow us to honor her spirit in a way that would have meant a lot to her. She always wanted to make sure HSLA was fully prepared for emergencies to best help animals and their caregivers,” said Dorson.

Moving Forward, Together

After losing their New Orleans shelter – and failing to secure rebuilding funds from national organizations that raised millions in Katrina’s wake – HSLA rebuilt slowly but steadily with the help of grassroots donors and volunteers. The former Camp Katrina continues to operate as an adoption transport facility, and in 2013, the group acquired the Enoch J. Donaldson Animal Sanctuary in nearby Mount Hermon, Louisiana, where a large animal sanctuary and disaster relief staging ground now stand. In 2023, the group re-established its headquarters in the Greater New Orleans area, where it continues to coordinate statewide animal protection programs.

How to Help

To learn more about the Humane Society of Louisiana’s Katrina anniversary campaign or to contribute to the Johnna Harris Disaster Relief & Readiness Fund. Please specify that your gift is for the Johnna Harris Fund in the notes/memo section.