Southwest Airlines Saved Dozens of Pets From Flooded Houston

Southwest Airlines cares about all living beings–not just their customers. The airline didn’t hesitate to step in when dozens of pets were left fighting for their lives after Hurricane Harvey destroyed their home. Animal shelters filled up all over Texas, and while they took in thousands of pets, they couldn’t provide shelter for everyone.

That’s when Southwest Airlines flew (sorry) to the rescue and joined forces with animal rescue groups, helping the crowded animal shelters accommodate stray animals and simultaneously saving dozens of lives. In a time of need and devastation, Southwest pulled their resources and made a huge difference in the lives of many.

The airline flew the animals to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego, California, where they were taken in and brought to safety. Southwest and the Helen Woodward Center’s initiative enabled Texan Animal rescue group, Operation Pets Alive! to increase the number of animals they took in and start to build themselves back up after the damage.

Many brave and selfless volunteers also stepped in during a time of crisis to save dozens of lives. Volunteers helped the airline board the animals into crates in an aircraft cabin that was converted to accommodate their needs. There was no shortage of love during the furry flight rescue, and Southwest employees were more than happy to lead the efforts.

Thanks to Southwest, the volunteers, and the animal shelter’s efforts, families in California will have a chance to adopt the animals and by extension–save hundreds of other animals in the process.