The four-year-old shepherd mix, “Conway,” is one of thousands of stray dogs and cats that have leapt out of Southern California over the past few months.
The Riverside County Service Department (RCDAS) says it uses “transfer flights” to address shelter overcrowding.
“In 2024, 6,262 cats and dogs were moved from the Rivco shelter to their US and Canadian partners,” county officials said in a news release Monday.
Conway is one of 27 RCDAS dogs who recently boarded a cross-country flight to Michigan after arriving at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in December. Funding was provided by the Bissell Pet Foundation.
“Conway” can be seen in images provided by Coachella Valley Animal Campus.
“During his stay at the shelter, he attended free adoption events at Riverside County Fair and PetSmart, but no one stepped up to adopt him,” the news release said.
The flight included long-term dogs who had stayed at shelter locations across Riverside County for more than 100 days.
“It’s important to address the overpopulation of large dogs in our community and we’re grateful for Bissell’s Cathy and overall support and willingness to support,” said RCDAS Director Mary Martin. Thanks to the trip, Conway is on his way to find a new family, the news release says.
Officials said these flights will help dogs stay in the shelter system by making them more likely to find a permanent home.
More information on how to help change the lives of your shelterpets can be found on the RCDAS website.
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