Sixty-five puppies and dogs from four local shelters embarked on a journey from Alabama to Pennsylvania and Delaware on May 31, many destined for new forever homes.

The ASPCA arranged a Wings of Rescue flight, with the Mobile SPCA collaborating alongside the Mobile County Animal Shelter, City of Mobile Animal Shelter and Baldwin County Animal Shelter. The Mobile SPCA also contributed animals from its own facility. This joint effort ensured the plane was filled with furry passengers.

Over 50 volunteers and shelter staff members worked diligently to gather, crate, deliver and load the animals onto the plane for transport.

Robin Strickland of Mobile SPCA said these puppies and dogs would be in new homes within 48 hours, with many arriving at their forever homes or foster placements by the afternoon.

Alabama faces a pet overpopulation issue, while states with stringent spay/neuter laws have higher demand for pets than supply. Rescue flights and other transport initiatives are vital to addressing this imbalance and alleviating shelter overcrowding. These efforts depend on the coordinated work of animal rescue organizations, volunteers, shelters and aviation partners.

The Baldwin County Animal Shelter is located at 15240 County Road 49 in Summerdale, adjacent to the Magnolia landfill.

The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with dog showings ending at 4:30 p.m. If you're searching for a lost pet or looking to adopt, please visit during these hours. For more information, you can contact the shelter at (251) 972-6834.

Not looking for a pup but want to help? Baldwin County Animal Shelter accepts donations through its website. You can also check out the shelter's Amazon wishlist on their Facebook page.