Best Friends to fly 150 pets out of flood-impacted areas in Texas, 75 coming to Utah

KANAB, Utah (ABC4) — Following the devastating floods in Texas that have claimed over 100 lives, Best Friends Animal Society, Austin Pets Alive! and Wings of Rescue are working to fly 125 pets out of the area to support the community.

Best Friends Animal Society, Austin Pets Alive! and Wings of Rescue are planning an emergency flight tomorrow morning, departing from San Marcos, Texas, dropping off 50 pets in Ft Worth, Texas, and then bringing the remaining 75 pets to Kanab, Utah.

According to a press release from Best Friends, removing dogs and cats from shelters will help create space for pets that are newly displaced by flooding and reduce overcrowding. While crews on the ground work to rescue pets and reunite them with owners, those already in shelters can be moved to other cities and states.

“In the rush to evacuate a disaster like this weekend’s flash floods, pets often become separated from their owners. It then becomes the work of first responders and shelter workers to find and house these lost pets until they can be reunited with their owners,” the press release explains.

Austin Pets Alive! has “been the lead animal rescue organization with boots on the ground,” according to the press release. They have been working with Kerrville Pets Alive! and other shelters being impacted by the floods to perform search and rescue missions, provide veterinary care, transport pets, and distribute food and supplies.

“The floods have been so devastating for all living beings,” Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President and CEO of Austin Pets Alive!, is quoted in the release. “So many people are searching for their pets that are the last connection they may have to a family member.”

Over 200 dogs and cats affected by the storms have already been rehomed with assistance from the community in Austin, the press release says.

“We are heartbroken by the devastation and loss of life caused by the Kerr County floods,” Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, is quoted in the release. “We are immensely grateful to our partners, Austin Pets Alive and Wings of Rescue, for collaborating with us to help bring these pets to safety. When disaster strikes, we’re fortunate to be in a position to help and will continue doing everything we can to support those affected by the floods.” 

According to the press release, Wings of Rescue planes are pressurized and temperature-controlled aircraft, and all animals are medically cleared for travel before takeoff. Safeguards are also in place to ensure that no animals are lost. Wings of Rescue will be responsible for safely transporting the 125 pets leaving the area.

“Pets are so intertwined with this traumatic event, and we are grateful to our partners at Best Friends Animal Society and Wings of Rescue for providing this flight that will allow Texas to make room for more lost pets to be reunited,” Dr. Jefferson stated in the release.

For more information or to support one of the nonprofits working to rescue animals, visit bestfriends.org, austinpetsalive.org, and wingsofrescue.org.