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Airlift moves 125 animals as shelters clear space for displaced pets
Elgin’s unique pet transportation hub helped launch an emergency airlift last week as area animal shelters remain overwhelmed in the wake of the devastating Hill Country floods.
A July 9 flight relocated 125 dogs and cats from San Marcos to shelters in Fort Worth and Best Friends Animal Society’s national sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. The effort was a partnership between the animal society, Wings of Rescue and the local Austin Pets Alive! relocation program.
“The floods have been so devastating for all living beings,” said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, president and CEO of APA!. “So many people are searching for their pets that are the last connection they may have to a family member.”
Officials said 50 animals were placed with shelters in North Texas, while the remaining 75 continued to Utah aboard a Wings of Rescue aircraft. The goal was to clear space in regional shelters to make room for pets separated from their owners during the catastrophic Independence Day weekend storm. The APA! Elgin Transportation Hub, based at 929 Old McDade Road, played a key role in the rescue operation, organizers said. Since moving to Elgin in April 2024, the program has relocated thousands of animals and aims to save 8,000 in its first three years. The site provides medical assessments, health certifications and logistical coordination for animal transport missions.
According to reports, APA! has led response efforts since the flooding began July 4, helping Kerrville Pets Alive! and surrounding communities with sheltering, veterinary care, food distribution and transport coordination. Officials said more than 300 pets have already been placed in foster care thanks to local support.
“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,” Jefferson said.
Wings of Rescue uses pressurized, temperature- controlled aircraft and coordinates with shelters nationwide to relocate animals from overcrowded or disaster- stricken areas. All pets are medically cleared for transport, and the nonprofit works to avoid transferring pets that may still be missing from their homes.
“We are heartbroken by the devastation and loss of life caused by the Kerr County floods,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “We are immensely grateful to our partners for collaborating with us to help bring these pets to safety.”
As of July 10, state officials confirmed 129 deaths from the flooding, including 103 in Kerr County — 36 of whom were children — where floodwaters surged more than 26 feet in less than an hour.
“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,” Castle said.
For more information on how to support the ongoing animal rescue efforts, visit austinpetsalive. org, bestfriends. org or wingsofrescue.org.
