Life With Dogs: Over 600 Rescue Dogs Are Flown Out Of Overcrowded Hawaii Shelters

While some shelters have seen an increase in dog adoptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, others have struggled. In Hawaii, many animal organizations became overcrowded. However, shelters in the contiguous states have seen more adoptions than ever during these difficult times. So, Greater Good Charities reached out to help send these dogs to safer locations. With help from Wings of Rescue, they were able to transport over 600 dogs and cats from Hawaii to Seattle, Washington. All the adoptable animals will be sent to various shelters where they’ll have a much higher chance of getting adopted.

Rescue dog kennel — Image: @GreaterGoodorg/Twitter

The Largest Animal Rescue Flight

“Paws Across the Pacific” is the largest animal rescue flight in history, according to Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency. The plane flew across Hawaii, picking up animals from several shelters in Kauai, Oahu, and Maui.

“Pet shelters in Hawaii are in a COVID-19 crisis. Normal operations have been affected by months of shut down, economic downturn, limited hours, and routine flights to mainland halted,” said Liz Baker, CEO of Greater Good. “The Paws Across the Pacific flight is urgently needed to make space in Hawaii’s shelters for at-risk pets who otherwise wouldn’t be able to receive necessary care to survive.”

Largest Rescue Dog Flight — Image: @GreaterGoodorg/Twitter

Thankfully, the animals landed safely in Boeing Field in Seattle. Volunteers were there awaiting the plane’s arrival, ready to transport the hundreds of dogs and cats to new locations.

600 Dogs and Cats are Saved!

Now that the animals are headed to new locations, they’ll be able to receive the medical attention they need, which includes required vaccinations and spaying and neutering procedures. They will be sent to shelters in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana. Some will even be taken across the border to British Columbia.

Rescue Puppy Kisses — Image: @GreaterGoodorg/Twitter

In addition to Greater Good and Wings of Rescue, many other organizations stepped up to support this transport too. This included the John R. Peterson Foundation, the Animal Rescue Site, Banfield Foundation, VCA Charities, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the Petco Foundation, Royal Canin, and Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the help of so many kind people.

For those who are interested in adopting one of these animals, you can visit one of the many participating shelters, which includes PAWS, The NOAH Center, Seattle Humane, the Humane Society of Skagit Valley, Kitsap Humane, Oregon Humane, Southwest Washington Humane, Kootenai Humane Society, Seattle Area Feline Rescue (SAFR), Spokanimal, Blue Mountain Humane Society, and the Embrace a Discarded Pet Society.

Hopefully, all these sweet dogs and cats will soon get the forever homes they’ve been dreaming of. Thank you to Greater Good for all the incredible work they do!