Texas Welcomes 176 Four-Legged Evacuees from California Wildfires
FORT WORTH, Texas — Two cargo planes touched down on the tarmac at Texas Jet in Fort Worth on Sunday afternoon, carrying an unusual group of evacuees: 161 dogs and 15 cats fleeing the aftermath of Southern California’s devastating wildfires.
The animals, already longtime residents of overcrowded Los Angeles city shelters, faced a double crisis. Before the wildfires erupted on Jan. 7, the shelters were stretched beyond capacity, with some dogs living in crates in hallways. The fires, which have claimed at least 27 lives and displaced thousands, forced hundreds of pets into shelters—some lost in the chaos, others temporarily surrendered by evacuees.
To make room for these displaced pets, California welfare groups like Paws for Life K9 Rescue worked quickly to relocate shelter veterans, including the 176 animals flown to Texas. The Humane Society of North Texas, alongside four local organizations, coordinated the effort to ensure the animals found temporary refuge in foster homes.
“When tragedy and disaster occur, we unite as a nation,” said Cassie Davidson, senior director of the Humane Society of North Texas. “We are not separated by state, and this is what the Humane Society of North Texas is all about.”
The Texas nonprofits involved in the rescue regularly pull animals from overcrowded local shelters, adopting them out or transporting them to northern states with higher demand for adoptable pets. Despite their own challenges—Dallas Animal Services currently houses 512 dogs in 388 kennels, and Fort Worth Animal Services is caring for nearly 700 animals—the groups ensured no local shelter animals would be displaced by the California arrivals.
“This is about helping during tragedy,” said Lauren Anton, founder of Saving Hope Rescue, which took in 33 dogs from the flight. “We hope that if Texas was burning down, we would get outside help too.”
The 176 animals were flown in by Wings of Rescue, an aviation charity that has transported more than 76,000 animals from overcrowded shelters and disaster zones since 2012. The Fort Worth mission alone cost $75,000, funded entirely by donations.
As the planes landed at Meacham International Airport, dozens of volunteers braved the 34-degree weather to unload the crates. Inside were dogs of all breeds and ages—Huskies, terriers, puppies, and seniors—each peering out with curiosity as they began the next leg of their journey.
The Humane Society of North Texas placed 70 animals into foster homes, with plans to make them available for adoption this weekend at its Saxe-Forte Adoption Center in Fort Worth. Other organizations, like Hearts and Bones and the SPCA of Texas, took in additional dogs, with some slated for transport to the Northeast for adoption.
“These pets were at risk of euthanasia if we did not act,” Davidson said.
The effort not only provided relief for California shelters but also highlighted the ongoing crisis in Texas. When the Humane Society called for fosters to house the incoming animals, more than 400 volunteers stepped up.
“Normally, we would never dream of sending dogs into Texas—we know Texas is in bad shape too,” said Alex Tonner, founder of Pets for Life K9 Rescue in California. “But this is an emergency… it’s a beautiful feeling that people want to help.”
Tonner’s organization, which works with incarcerated individuals to train shelter dogs, has also sent 54 dogs to Seattle and 15 to the Pacific Northwest since the wildfires began.
As the animals settle into their temporary homes, the collaboration between states serves as a reminder of the power of community in times of crisis. For these 176 dogs and cats, the journey to Texas marks the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with hope, care, and the promise of a forever home.
Own ongoing efforts too address local animal welfare challenges, the Texas organizations demonstrated remarkable compassion and collaboration in responding to the urgent needs of their California counterparts. this cross-state partnership not only provided immediate relief to the displaced animals but also highlighted the power of collective action in times of crisis.
The successful relocation of these 176 animals underscores the importance of preparedness, resource-sharing, and community solidarity in the face of natural disasters. By opening their doors to these four-legged evacuees, Texas has set an inspiring example of how communities can come together to support both people and pets during their most vulnerable moments. As the animals settle into their temporary homes, the hope is that they will soon find loving, permanent families—proof that even in the darkest times, compassion and resilience can light the way forward.
This heartwarming effort serves as a reminder that,no matter the distance or circumstance,we are all connected by our shared obligation to care for those in need—whether they walk on two legs or four.
Texas’s response to the California wildfires highlights the power of compassion and collaboration in times of crisis.By opening their doors to 176 four-legged evacuees, Texas shelters and rescue organizations demonstrated that the bonds of humanity—and humanity’s love for animals—transcend state lines. This effort not only provided immediate relief to overwhelmed California shelters but also offered a second chance to animals who had long awaited loving homes.
The success of this mission underscores the importance of organizations like Wings of Rescue, the Humane Society of North Texas, and countless volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that no animal is left behind. Their dedication reminds us that even in the face of disaster, hope and kindness prevail. As these dogs and cats settle into their new foster homes and prepare for adoption, their stories serve as a testament to the resilience of both animals and the communities that rally to protect them.
this cross-state collaboration is more than a rescue mission—it’s a reminder that when we come together, we can create a brighter future for all, one paw at a time.
