When disasters strike like the recent Texas floods, lives—both human and animal—are suddenly at risk. In those moments, whether we are directly or indirectly affected, we often feel empathy and compassion, followed closely by a sense of helplessness. The devastating Texas floods in July 2025 were no exception. Amid the chaos, uncertainty, and loss, four remarkable organizations stepped forward, proving that heroic acts often happen quietly, behind the scenes.
Four Heroes Unite to Save Lives
The Texas flood disaster in Kerrville County, brought together Austin Pets Alive!, Best Friends Animal Society, Wings of Rescue, and Austin Wildlife Rescue in an extraordinary joint mission. Their goal was urgent and clear: to rescue, transport and house, dogs and cats from Central Texas shelters to safety in Fort Worth and to Best Friends’ Animal Sanctuary in Utah.
1,146 At-Risk Shelter Pets Flown to Safety
In partnership with Best Friends (for shelter space) and Wings of Rescue, who carried out a massive evacuation effort—nine flights spanning 13,361 miles to relocate 1,146 at-risk shelter pets. This wasn’t simply about moving animals out of danger; it was about making space for flood-displaced pets, giving families more time to reunite with animal family members, and increasing the shelter animals’ chances of finding permanent homes.
In addition to the flights, Wings of Rescue delivered 19,298 pounds of humanitarian and veterinary aid to the hardest-hit areas, underscoring the importance of swift, organized relief efforts during animal-related emergencies.
Austin Pets Alive!: Ground Support and Foster Placement
While the skies carried animals to safety, Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) worked tirelessly on the ground. Their rescue teams handled search and recovery, transportation to their shelter, veterinary care, and the distribution of food and supplies. Thanks to their dedication, 300 dogs and cats were placed into foster homes—safe, warm, and cared for until they could be reunited with their families or adopted.
APA! President and CEO Dr. Ellen Jefferson shared the emotional weight of the work. She hopes Superman’s story (see photos) will encourage people to support animal rescue efforts:
“It’s been devastating for all living beings. So many people are searching for their pets, who may be the last connection they have to a lost family member. Pets are so intertwined in this saga and it’s so important.”
Her words reflect the deep bond between people and their pets—connections worth every ounce of effort to preserve.
Austin Wildlife Rescue: Caring for the Wild Ones
It’s a common misconception that wildlife can handle anything because they are ‘wild’. Austin Wildlife Rescue took in over 200 wild animals in the days following the floods adding to the 2,500 animals on their site. Currently caring for nearly 2,500 wild animals, their mission remains the same: rehabilitation and release back into Texas’ natural habitats.
Executive Director Jules Maron emphasized:
“Everything we do is to release the wildlife back into its native Texas environment.”
Everyday Heroes
The Texas flood animal rescue efforts of July 2025 serve as a powerful reminder: even in the darkest times, there are people working tirelessly to protect the lives of animals—both domestic and wild. These organizations may make headlines in times of crisis, but their heroism continues quietly, every single day.
If you would like to learn more, or donate, please visit the links below:
ANIMAL CELEBRATION WORKSHOPS
I offer workshops that celebrate animals and nature. If you feel grief from animal loss, my Animal Celebration of Life 2-session workshop helps channel that energy to positive reflection of your emotion. The Journaling for Animals and Nature workshop is a single-session workshop focusing on journaling to channel your emotions to a positive and constructive ideal.