'We really want to find them loving homes': Lifesaving flight lands 65 shelter pets in southeast Wisconsin

SLINGER, Wis. (CBS58) – On Tuesday, more than 60 shelter animals went on a journey of a lifetime, from New Orleans to right here in southeast Wisconsin.

It was the longest journey of their lives. Flying over 900 miles, they get a new chance at finding their "furever" home.

"We do this as often as we can and it feels amazing every time," said Joe Poczkalski, communication specialist at Washington County Humane Society.

The global nonprofit, Greater Good Charities, flies shelter animals all over the country to give them a better chance at finding a family.

"One of the things we saw at Greater Good Charities, is there is a overpopulation of some pets in some parts of the country and higher demand for pets in the other part of the country, so we created a program where we work with those agencies that are under-resourced and not doing enough adoptions, and we fly them to wonderful communities, like up here in Wisconsin, where there's a high demand for adoptable pets," explains Steve Kaufman, operations, EVP of Greater Good Charities.

Out of the 65 animals, 15 pets went to the Washington County Humane Society, with the others going to five other local shelters (Humane Animal Welfare Society - or HAWS, Elmbrook Humane Society, Humane Society of Jefferson County, and Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin.)

"I think other shelters get overwhelmed and we are really able to facilitate those animal shipments pretty well," said volunteer Dominick Burns.

Burns has been volunteering at the shelter for seven years, and he is no stranger to seeing new furry faces.

"We really want to find loving homes for them because we care about them a lot, that's why we do this," said Burns.

Burns is not the only one that has fallen in love with the animals he works with.

"I promise you, once you put a leash on them and get them outside this building, you will see their personality shine," said Jessica Pillsbury, community impact specialist at Washington County Humane Society.

With the help of Greater Good Charities, these pets are getting a new "leash" on life.

"The hope is to find them a forever home, something that is ideal for them, said Pillsbury.

If you are looking for a new addition to your family, check out the Washington County Humane Society's website, here.