LAKELAND, FL — Eleven dogs from Polk County Animal Control were flown from Lakeland Airport to New Jersey Tuesday morning, November 10, as part of an ongoing effort to reduce overcrowding at local animal shelters and help animals find permanent homes.
According to Polk County Animal Control, three animal control officers assisted in loading the 11 dogs onto a flight coordinated through Greater Good Charities. The dogs were transported to a rescue organization in New Jersey, where they will have another opportunity to find homes.
Eye In The Sky News spoke with Captain Varnadore, who explained that Polk County Animal Control established a relationship with the rescue organization after meeting representatives at a conference several months ago.
The partnership allows dogs to be transported to rescue organizations in other states where shelter space is available, helping relieve overcrowding at Polk County facilities.
According to Captain Varnadore, participating rescue organizations receive a list of available animals and can select which ones they are able to accept. However, priority remains with local residents interested in adopting.
Varnadore explained that these out-of-state transports typically occur two to three times annually. While approximately 99% of the animals transported are dogs, cats are also offered to participating rescues.
Polk County Animal Control also works with other rescue partners in Florida. On October 2, four dogs were transported from Bartow Airport to Simply Grace Rescue’s foster program with assistance from a volunteer pilot named Vince.
According to Varnadore, similar in-state rescue transports take place approximately once a month.
These partnerships provide additional opportunities for animals to find permanent homes while helping Polk County Animal Control manage its shelter population.
SOURCE: INTERVIEW WITH CAPTAIN VARNADORE
