As Hurricane Dorian threatens the United States with 100-mile-per-hour winds, animal shelters in Massachusetts are taking in unowned cats and dogs who are at risk of the storm’s path.

The ASPCA and Wings of Rescue are collaborating to transport nearly 200 homeless animals to shelters in the northeast, where the pets will be made available for adoption, according to a news release.

After battering the Bahamas with winds up to 185 miles per hour, killing at least seven people and destroying thousands of homes, Dorian is heading up the East Coast.

On Wednesday, the storm is pushing its way north off the Florida shoreline. Winds have reduced, but are still around 105 miles per hour. The storm is projected to sideswipe George and the Carolinas. Millions have been warned to evacuate.

Cats and dogs are being evacuated from the Hilton Head Humane Association and Beaufort County Animal Shelter in South Carolina. They’re being taken to Massachusetts shelters including Second Chance Animal Shelter in East Brookfield and Berkshire Humane Society in Pittsfield.

Across the northeast, the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Maine, Brandywine Valley SPCA in New Castle, Delaware, Felines and Canines in Chicago, Greater Androscoggin Humane Society in Lewiston, Maine and Toledo Area Humane Society in Toledo, Ohio, are also taking in animals.

The transport is funded by a $250,000 grant from The Rachael Ray Foundation, started by television host and philanthropist Rachael Ray to help animals in need.

“With natural disasters of Hurricane Dorian’s magnitude, we’re grateful for the partnerships that make it possible for all of us to save so many lives and reunite devastated families,” said Matt Bershadker, President and CEO of the ASPCA. “We commend Hilton Head Humane Association and Beaufort County Animal Shelter for quickly identifying and acting on the potential need for assistance and thank The Rachael Ray Foundation and Wings of Rescue for helping us move vulnerable animals to safety. We also thank all of the animal shelters and rescue organizations graciously accepting animals in need.”

GreaterGood.org also supported the effort by providing disaster response supplies for shelters in the path of Dorian and for the animal welfare groups that are taking in animals.

Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.