Animal groups airlift 47 dogs and 80 cats from Texas to safety

Kanab, UT (July 9, 2025) — In a major effort to provide direct relief to communities impacted by the devastating Texas floods, Best Friends Animal Society funded an emergency rescue flight with Wings of Rescue, in partnership with Austin Pets Alive! and successfully completed an emergency flight this morning, transporting 47 dogs and 80 cats to safety.

The twin-engine turboprop plane departed from Berry Aviation in San Marcos, Texas at 5 a.m. CST, landing in Ft. Worth at 7 a.m. CST. There, 59 cats and dogs were received by local humane organizations.

The remaining 68 dogs and cats continued on to Kanab, Utah, arriving at Best Friends Animal Society’s Sanctuary—the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary—at 10:45 a.m. MST.

This lifesaving airlift moved dogs and cats already residing in local shelters prior to the flooding, creating urgently needed space for pets displaced by the floods and alleviating overcrowded conditions in shelters directly affected by the disaster.

In the aftermath of the flash flood that began on July 4, many pets became separated from their families during emergency evacuations. First responders and shelter workers have been tirelessly caring for these dogs and cats and working to reunite them with their families. Additionally, pets previously in shelters or those surrendered due to disaster-related hardships required evacuation and support to help them heal.

To donate, visit bestfriends.org/TexasFloods or view Amazon Wishlist to purchase items most needed to aid the pets impacted by the floods.

Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters, has been closely collaborating with Central Texas shelters, including Austin Pets Alive!, to increase lifesaving capacity during the crisis. Best Friends operates the Best Friends Pet Lifesaving Center in Houston, along with several locations across the country.

“This morning’s lifesaving transport is a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations come together in a time of crisis,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “We are heartbroken by the devastation caused by the Central Texas floods, but we’re also deeply moved by the compassion and urgency shown by so many, including our partners at Austin Pets Alive! and Wings of Rescue.”

“Thanks to this joint effort,” she added, “127 dogs and cats are now safe and on their way to receiving the care, stability, and love they deserve. In the face of disaster, we remain committed to doing everything we can to support impacted shelters and save as many lives as possible.”

Since the flooding began, Austin Pets Alive! has taken a lead role in animal rescue efforts, providing boots-on-the-ground assistance to Kerrville Pets Alive! and impacted surrounding communities. Their work has included search and rescue operations, veterinary care and vaccinations, transportation of pets to APA!’s Austin location, and distribution of food, supplies, and other critical resources.

So far, the Austin community has helped place over 300 dogs and cats from Kerrville and other affected Central Texas shelters into foster homes.

“The floods have been devastating for all living beings,” said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President and CEO of Austin Pets Alive!. “This morning’s flight was a critical step in helping our overwhelmed shelters create space for the flood-displaced pets still coming in.

So many families are searching for beloved dogs and cats who may be their last connection to home, and today’s transport allows us to keep helping those still in need. We’re incredibly grateful to Best Friends Animal Society and Wings of Rescue for their partnership in making this lifesaving mission possible.”

Wings of Rescue responds to disasters and overcrowded shelter conditions throughout North America. All Wings of Rescue planes are pressurized, temperature-controlled aircraft and all pets are medically cleared for travel and several safeguards are built in to avoid ever transporting a pet that is simply lost.

Best Friends Animal Society is providing funding and supplies for shelters and rescues directly impacted and those helping with search and rescue in the Central Texas area.