Rescued Pets from California Wildfires: Wings of Rescue Brings 180 Animals to Texas

Pets Fleeing Wildfires Find Safehaven in Dallas-Fort Worth

On Sunday, January 19th, Haute Dog Pet Photography had the privilege of volunteering alongside the Humane Society of North Texas to document an incredible mission of hope and resilience. Nearly 180 pets* arrived at the Dallas-Fort Worth area, flown in by the amazing team at Wings of Rescue. These animals—a mix of strays and owner surrenders—had been saved from Los Angeles area shelters. This allowed space in the originating shelters for pets displaced by the wildfires, giving them the best chance of being reunited with their families. (*These animals were in shelters prior to the fires; they are not pets who were lost during the fires)

Having grown up in Southern California, this day was extra emotional. I remember the wildfire seasons that painted the skies orange. Knowing that my camera could play even a small role in these pets’ journeys toward safety and the increased potential for families who have lost everything in the fires to reunite with their pets was profoundly meaningful.

A Mission of Compassion

Wings of Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to flying at-risk pets to safety. Their efforts focus on relocating animals from overcrowded shelters to regions where they’re more likely to find homes. The Humane Society of North Texas along with SPCA of Texas, Saving Hope, and other rescue organizations, served as a beacon of compassion for these pets, welcoming them with open arms and readying them for the next steps in their journey. For some, Texas will become home. Others will continue on to the Northeast to regions with less populated shelters.

The moment the plane touched down, the air was charged with a mix of emotions. Volunteers and staff worked tirelessly in the cold to ensure every animal was carefully unloaded from the planes. They sat lined up in crates – some were shy and timid, while others wagged their tails as if sensing the brighter future ahead. The most surprising part was the overwhelming sense of calm among the animals as they waited to be loaded into vans.

Philanthropy Through Pet Photography

Photographing rescue pets is a way to amplify their voices and bring visibility to the organizations doing life-saving work. High-quality images can make a significant difference in how quickly a pet is adopted or a charity’s ability to fundraise for their mission.

I’m grateful to Wings of Rescue and the Humane Society of North Texas for the work they do and for allowing me to be part of this emotional and inspiring day.

Join the Mission

If you’re moved by the stories of these rescued pets, consider supporting organizations like Wings of Rescue or your local animal shelter. Together, we can help more pets find their way from heartbreak to happiness. Humane Society of North Texas, SPCA of Texas, and Saving Hope need foster homes, donations, and increased awareness to further their missions. If you can, open your home to a temporary foster. If you can’t, something as simple as a share on social media can make a difference.

✨ Adoption Event Details
📅 Friday, January 24th – Sunday, January 26th
⏰ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
📍 1840 E Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76103
🚗 Parking is available on Grafton St.