Best Friends Airlifts 125 Pets from Central Texas Floods to Utah, Fort Worth Shelters

In response to the devastating Central Texas floods that caused over 120 deaths and displaced numerous pets, animal rescue organizations including Best Friends Animal Society, Austin Pets Alive!, and Wings of Rescue have collaborated to alleviate shelter overcrowding and reunite pets with their owners. These groups have facilitated emergency airlifts transporting more than 125 dogs and cats from Central Texas shelters to Fort Worth and Kanab, Utah, creating space for flood-displaced animals. The transported pets, already in shelters before the floods, receive veterinary care and are placed in foster homes or adopted when possible, with extended wait periods to prioritize reunification with their original families. Wings of Rescue operates pressurized, temperature-controlled flights to ensure safe transport, while Austin Pets Alive! continues on-the-ground rescue and veterinary efforts. This coordinated effort aims to reduce euthanasia rates typically caused by shelter overcrowding and provide relief for communities affected by the floods. Local governments and shelters rely heavily on donations and community support to sustain these life-saving operations.