ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A local animal shelter is raising money for a new transport van after a crash on Wednesday left them without one.
The crash happened on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge when a Friends of Strays Inc. van that was carrying 17 dogs and cats suffered a mechanical issue, causing the vehicle to crash into a concrete barrier.
A representative with the shelter reported that two employees suffered minor injuries, and a vet examined the animals in the van, clearing all except one puppy, who sustained a broken leg and is receiving treatment.
However, now the organization is at a standstill as it no longer has a means of transportation, which is essential in the tireless work it does toward helping save animals’ lives.
Credit: Friends of Strays Animal Shelter
“I cannot say enough how relieved we all are that our employees and the animals who were inside the van are safe. We’re so grateful to the first responders who arrived so quickly to keep the scene secure,” said Dara Worthington, Friends of Strays CEO. “Now we are focused on helping the puppy who was injured and getting our wheels back. Our van is instrumental in saving lives, and we need to replace it as soon as possible to get back on the road.”
Friends of Strays works with 26 different organizations statewide to take in animals that are at risk for euthanasia. Out of these organizations, 11 require transportation to move the animals from shelter to shelter.
In 2025 alone, they reported that nearly 900 cats and dogs out of the 1,700 pets they have helped were transported in the van.
“We have a long way to go to be able to purchase a new vehicle, but our community has already begun rallying behind us. We’re so grateful to everyone who has already donated what they can to help get us a new van so we can continue saving lives across the state,” said Dara Worthington, Friends of Strays CEO.
Friends of Strays Animal Shelter is the oldest no-kill animal shelter located in St. Petersburg.
If you would like to learn more about how you can help out, you can do so here.
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