Thousands of people are fleeing Puerto Rico as the island remains without power and the death toll continues to climb more than a month after Hurricane Maria.

Even for those who can afford plane tickets and get to the airport, theres another hurdle: evacuating with pets.

Leaving the island with animals in tow has become a huge challenge, said Sarah Barnett of the Humane Society of the United States , which has workers on the ground in Puerto Rico. The pet owners Barnett has spoken with have been hysterical with worry, she said.