Merced, CA (October 21, 2025) — In a sweeping life-saving mission this month, 193 cats and dogs were airlifted out of Merced County, California and on to adoption partners across the western United States and Midwest, giving them a second chance at life. The flights, organized by the animal-rescue charity Wings of Rescue in collaboration with local partner New Beginnings for Merced County Animals, aim to relieve severe overcrowding at the Merced County Animal Shelter and match adoptable pets with welcoming homes.
The animals flew on two separate flights, each carrying dozens of cats and dogs from Merced County. Among the transported animals were a one-eyed dog and a number of frail Persian cats rescued from neglect.
According to the report, the destination network includes trusted adoption partners in California, Oregon, Washington and parts of the Midwest. Each flight makes multiple stops to deliver animals to the various rescue groups.
Overcrowding in the Merced County shelter is cited as a key reason for the rescue mission: more animals are being surrendered each week than the facility has space for, leading to critical decisions about care and potential euthanasia.
According to its website, New Beginnings for Merced County Animals urges continued community support through fostering, donations, and volunteering to sustain its countywide animal rescue and adoption efforts.
Wings of Rescue, a national non-profit specializing in transporting at-risk pets from overburdened shelters and disaster zones, emphasizes that flights are only one part of the solution: spay/neuter programs and local adoption efforts are also critical.
For Merced County, the impact is immediate: each animal flown frees up space and provides a brighter future for that pet. At the same time, local shelters continue to face surges of surrendered animals, and rely on donors, volunteers and foster homes to keep pace.
As dozens of animals soared from a county shelter facing critical capacity into communities ready to embrace them, the message is clear: With cooperation, compassion and logistics, even systems under pressure can offer second chances.
