Orphaned Pets From Maui To Find Forever Homes In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — The Helen Woodward Animal Center is welcoming 20 orphaned pets rescued from the devastating Maui wildfires.

In addition to helping the dogs and cats find forever families, the transfer will help free up shelter space for owned pets who have lost their physical homes.

"In the list of needs, the need for space is right at the top," said Renee Resko, vice president of development for Helen Woodward Animal Center. "The island of Maui really has the world's heart right now and donations of food, vaccines and medical supplies are coming in. But the one thing you can't buy them is more space."

Rancho Santa Fe-based Helen Woodward Animal Center has worked with partner organizations in Hawaii since 2018, and the need for space has always been an issue, according to the organization.

The Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation in Maui has been working to find lost pets and provide comfort, care and supplies to those in need.

"When we asked what Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation needed, their number one focus was getting orphan pets to a location where they would have a chance at adoption," Resko said. "By doing this, we can help them access some much-needed space to help pet owners on the island. It's a win for the orphan pets and a win for the pets owned by Maui residents."

The pets will arrive in San Diego Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Alaska Airlines will use cargo planes providing essential supplies to the island to take the pets to San Diego Airport. The Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust, San Diego Foundation, and SeaWorld San Diego will help transport the pets from the airport to Helen Woodward Animal Center.

The dogs and cats will be available for adoption over the next few days and weeks, as they are medically cleared, according to the organization. People interested in adopting the pets can visit animalcenter.org or call 858-756-4117, ext. 313.