The devastation left behind by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County and beyond has uprooted countless lives — both human and animal. As communities work to rebuild, shelters in California are facing an overwhelming challenge: finding space for the rising number of animals in need. While some shelters had emergency plans in place, others, like Western Riverside County Animal Services and its three affiliated shelters, were already over capacity when the fires began.
At any given time, these shelters house nearly 1,000 animals, making it imperative to find placement for those already in their care. Without intervention, the shelters risk running out of space just as more pets — many from families who lost their homes — arrive at their doors.
That’s why North Shore Animal League America sprang into action, partnering with Western Riverside County Animal Services and Race for Life Rescue to bring animals to safety on the other side of the country. The plan: a cross-country lifesaving mission that would transport 42 dogs and puppies from California to New York, ensuring they get the second chance they deserve.
The logistics of this rescue were no small feat. Race for Life Rescue, an air transport organization based in Tennessee flew the animals from California to the Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, PA, where our Mobile Rescue Units were waiting. The flight was staffed by two North Shore Animal League America team members, who ensured that every pet passenger was comfortable and cared for throughout the journey.
Transporting animals by air wasn’t just the fastest way — it was also the safest. A ground transport operation would have taken nearly a week, subjecting these already displaced animals to significant stress. Instead, this flight minimized the trauma of travel, allowing them to arrive as quickly and comfortably as possible.
“Disasters like this don’t end when the fires are put out,” said Sylvia Ottaka, Senior Director of Rescue & Community Outreach Programs at North Shore Animal League America. “Once a disaster disappears from the news, people move on—but for the animals left behind, the need is ongoing. We have to be there not just in the moment but in the aftermath, ensuring that these pets have somewhere to go.”
By relocating 42 rescued animals from California, North Shore Animal League America not only gave these animals a chance at a loving future but also freed up space in Riverside County shelters. This allowed them to continue their vital work — taking in animals from nearby shelters, as well as beloved pets from families struggling in the wake of the wildfires.
“Many people who lost their homes are now living in shelters or hotels and face the heartbreaking reality that they can no longer care for their pets,” Sylvia explained. “By opening up shelter space, we’re giving them an option — somewhere for these animals to go, rather than being abandoned or surrendered to already overburdened shelters.”
When the plane touched down in Pennsylvania, our team was ready and waiting to carefully offload the crates and secure them onto our Mobile Rescue Units. To keep the animals safe and minimize stress, they remained in their crates until they arrived at North Shore Animal League America at approximately 11:00 PM.
As the convoy pulled into our Port Washington campus, the cold night air was a stark contrast to the warmth inside. One by one, the rescued dogs were carried off the Mobile Units, still nestled in their crates after the long day of travel. Finally, warm beds and gentle hands welcomed them to what will be their last stop for a little while. Over the coming days, the new arrivals will receive the medical care, love and attention they need before finding the forever homes they deserve.
This mission came at a significant financial cost. But every dollar spent represents a life saved, a future secured, and a chance for these animals to move from crisis to comfort. As the rescue team reflected on this journey, one thing was clear: these efforts don’t just save lives — they provide hope. Hope for the animals who made the journey. Hope for the families who needed a solution. And hope that, no matter the disaster, organizations like North Shore Animal League America will always be there to answer the call.
The post Going the Distance to Help California Animal Shelters appeared first on Animal League.
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At any given time, these shelters house nearly 1,000 animals, making it imperative to find placement for those already in their care. Without intervention, the shelters risk running out of space just as more pets — many from families who lost their homes — arrive at their doors.
That’s why North Shore Animal League America sprang into action, partnering with Western Riverside County Animal Services and Race for Life Rescue to bring animals to safety on the other side of the country. The plan: a cross-country lifesaving mission that would transport 42 dogs and puppies from California to New York, ensuring they get the second chance they deserve.
A Mission in Motion
The logistics of this rescue were no small feat. Race for Life Rescue, an air transport organization based in Tennessee flew the animals from California to the Lehigh Valley International Airport in Allentown, PA, where our Mobile Rescue Units were waiting. The flight was staffed by two North Shore Animal League America team members, who ensured that every pet passenger was comfortable and cared for throughout the journey.
Transporting animals by air wasn’t just the fastest way — it was also the safest. A ground transport operation would have taken nearly a week, subjecting these already displaced animals to significant stress. Instead, this flight minimized the trauma of travel, allowing them to arrive as quickly and comfortably as possible.
“Disasters like this don’t end when the fires are put out,” said Sylvia Ottaka, Senior Director of Rescue & Community Outreach Programs at North Shore Animal League America. “Once a disaster disappears from the news, people move on—but for the animals left behind, the need is ongoing. We have to be there not just in the moment but in the aftermath, ensuring that these pets have somewhere to go.”
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The Power of Partnership
By relocating 42 rescued animals from California, North Shore Animal League America not only gave these animals a chance at a loving future but also freed up space in Riverside County shelters. This allowed them to continue their vital work — taking in animals from nearby shelters, as well as beloved pets from families struggling in the wake of the wildfires.
“Many people who lost their homes are now living in shelters or hotels and face the heartbreaking reality that they can no longer care for their pets,” Sylvia explained. “By opening up shelter space, we’re giving them an option — somewhere for these animals to go, rather than being abandoned or surrendered to already overburdened shelters.”
A Night to Remember
When the plane touched down in Pennsylvania, our team was ready and waiting to carefully offload the crates and secure them onto our Mobile Rescue Units. To keep the animals safe and minimize stress, they remained in their crates until they arrived at North Shore Animal League America at approximately 11:00 PM.
As the convoy pulled into our Port Washington campus, the cold night air was a stark contrast to the warmth inside. One by one, the rescued dogs were carried off the Mobile Units, still nestled in their crates after the long day of travel. Finally, warm beds and gentle hands welcomed them to what will be their last stop for a little while. Over the coming days, the new arrivals will receive the medical care, love and attention they need before finding the forever homes they deserve.
This mission came at a significant financial cost. But every dollar spent represents a life saved, a future secured, and a chance for these animals to move from crisis to comfort. As the rescue team reflected on this journey, one thing was clear: these efforts don’t just save lives — they provide hope. Hope for the animals who made the journey. Hope for the families who needed a solution. And hope that, no matter the disaster, organizations like North Shore Animal League America will always be there to answer the call.
The post Going the Distance to Help California Animal Shelters appeared first on Animal League.
Read more...
