WAUKESHA, Wis — The Humane Animal Welfare Society partnered with Wings of Rescue to airlift animals out of natural disaster.

HAWS and Wings of Rescue will fly roughly 100 adoptable pets to animal shelters in Wisconsin. They're being transported from Mississippi and Louisiana shelters that were hit by Hurricane Ida. 

Wilbur is one of the dogs being rescued from Hurricane Ida. Photo courtesy of Wings of Rescue.

The dogs and cats are en route to the Badger State in order to make room for other animals in Mississippi and Louisiana also affected by Hurricane Ida. Not only will local shelters have more physical space, but they also will have more resources to help animals in harder-hit areas. 

Since the dogs and cats were already up for adoption in their home states, they will be available to adopt very shortly after getting to Wisconsin; they will undergo medical evaluations first and get any needed treatment. In fact, Wings of Rescue said that a lot of them have been pre-adopted. Foster homes have also agreed to take in some of the pets. 

“We are thrilled to be able to welcome these animals to Waukesha and Wisconsin, and to give them [a] safe haven in our community,” said Jennifer Smieja of HAWS. “While these pets have faced stressful times, we know our adopters will step up to offer each one of them comfort — and a very happy landing!”

HAWS said all of the animals are cleared for adoption, and none of them have been identified as "lost" pets. 

Wisconsin shelters accepting displaced pets include Elmbrook Humane Society, the Humane Society of Sheboygan County and the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin. Additional animals are being taken to shelters in North Dakota. 

The rescue flight is expected to land on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at noon in Waukesha. 

Kayla is one of the dogs being rescued from Hurricane Ida. Photo courtesy of Wings of Rescue.