Animal Care partners with Wings of Rescue to give dogs a second chance

Animal Care partners with Wings of Rescue to transport six shelter dogs from the Van Nuys Airport to new adoption opportunities.

San Bernardino County Animal Care took another meaningful step forward in animal welfare through a new partnership with Wings of Rescue, a national nonprofit dedicated to transporting at-risk pets from overcrowded shelters and disaster-affected areas to safe havens where they can be quickly adopted into loving homes.

As part of this lifesaving collaboration, six dogs from Animal Care participated in a rescue transport that departed just after midnight from Van Nuys Airport on Jan. 10. The flight marks the county’s first official transport with Wings of Rescue and represents the beginning of what is expected to be an ongoing partnership.

Since 2012, Wings of Rescue has transported more than 85,000 pets, conducting over 100 flights each year using fully pressurized aircraft. Animals travel safely in the cabin alongside the flight crew, ensuring comfort and care throughout the journey. Their work spans all 50 states and includes international destinations, helping communities nationwide create space in shelters while giving pets a fresh start.

Local agencies across Southern California have seen success through similar partnerships, and San Bernardino County is proud to join this effort. Future flights are already being explored, with hopes of expanding participation to include more dogs and cats in upcoming transports.

“This partnership allows us to give animals a second chance while also easing capacity challenges in our shelters,” said Jennifer Osorio, assistant director of San Bernardino County Public Health. “By working together with Wings of Rescue, we’re helping pets move quickly into new opportunities where they can find safe, loving homes.”

This partnership reflects Animal Care’s continued commitment to saving lives, reducing overcrowding in shelters, and connecting pets with the families they deserve.

Animal Care also extends sincere thanks to the Animals aRe First Fund (ARFF) for purchasing the hard crates used for this rescue transport, helping ensure the safety and comfort of each dog throughout the journey.

If you would like to help make future rescue flights possible by providing hard crates, please consider donating to ARFF by visiting arffund.org.

You can help! Many wonderful pets are still waiting for homes right here in San Bernardino County.

To adopt, foster, or learn more about how you can support local animal welfare efforts, visit the San Bernardino County Animal Care website at animalcare.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – January 15