Best Friends Animal Society Rescues 60+ Pets from Texas Shelter

KANAB, Utah — A coordinated effort between Best Friends Animal Society and Dog is My CoPilot has given dozens of pets a second chance at finding loving homes. The two organizations recently arranged transport flights to relocate animals from an overcrowded Texas shelter to facilities in Utah and beyond.

The latest flight took place on Sunday, March 9, carrying 18 cats and seven dogs to safety. This follows an earlier flight that relocated 37 dogs to partner organizations in Salt Lake City, Northern Utah, and Idaho. In total, over 60 pets have been moved to shelters and rescue groups better equipped to care for them.

Easing Shelter Overcrowding

The relocation effort was prompted by urgent overcrowding at The Rio Grande Valley Humane Society in Texas. Best Friends Animal Society stepped in after learning that the shelter was struggling to provide adequate space and care for the animals.

“The situation required immediate action to ensure these pets had a chance at a positive outcome,” said Sophia Proler, director of Best Friends’ South Central Region.

Recognizing the need for additional support, Best Friends reached out to Dog is My CoPilot, a nonprofit specializing in pet air transport. Having previously collaborated during disaster relief efforts, the two groups worked together once again to save at-risk animals.

New Beginnings for Rescued Pets

Upon arrival, the animals were taken to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, where they received medical care and socialization before being placed for adoption. Additional rescue groups—including Dustin Time Rescue, Kitten Smitthen Rescue, and Utah Beagle Rescue—also took in pets from the flights.

This rescue mission aligns with an ongoing agreement between Best Friends and the City of Mission, Texas. Under this partnership, Best Friends is providing operational support to local shelters through July 29, helping them implement programs aimed at increasing their save rate to 90% or higher.

Addressing the Broader Crisis

The Texas shelter crisis is part of a larger issue. Many shelters in the region face challenges due to limited access to low-cost spay and neuter services, a national veterinarian shortage, and financial difficulties that prevent some pet owners from keeping their animals. These factors contribute to an influx of stray and surrendered pets, leading to overcrowded conditions.

“Shelters across the country are struggling, but through collaboration, we can make a difference,” Proler emphasized.

How You Can Help

Animal advocates encourage community members to support their local shelters by adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donating. Best Friends Animal Society also provides a Pet Life Saving Dashboard, which allows people to check their community’s progress toward becoming a no-kill area.

For those living in no-kill communities, Proler suggests looking beyond local borders: “If your shelters are doing well, consider extending your support to shelters in crisis.”

Through teamwork and dedication, organizations like Best Friends Animal Society and Dog is My CoPilot continue to work toward a future where every pet has the chance to find a forever home .

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.