Paws on the Runway

At the Gene Carey Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, a quiet revolution is taking place, one that’s saving lives not just locally but across state lines. Dubbed Paws on the Runway, this innovative pet transport program is giving dozens of dogs the second chance they deserve, turning boarding passes into wagging tails and smiling families. Launched in January 2026, the program was born from equal parts of necessity and ingenuity. Here in Texas, where the abandoned dog population and euthanasia rates are among the highest in the country, animal shelters often face overcrowding.

However, in other parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast, they are experiencing a shortage of adoptable pets. “We have plenty of dogs up for adoption,” shares Brittany Polk, the Animal Services Manager for the shelter. “But in cities in the north, especially in the New York area, people want pets and can’t find them.”

To bridge that gap, the shelter is helping dogs find loving homes faster than ever before, and they’re doing it in style. Through Paws on the Runway, dogs are transported by vans and, in some cases, even airplanes to rescue organizations such as Dog Star Rescue in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and Hearts & Bones Rescue in New York City. From there, these pups are quickly placed into adoptive homes where families are eagerly waiting. The result? Fewer animals are spending extended time in shelters and more happy endings unfold every month.
The program’s success has been nothing short of extraordinary. In fact, demand has grown so quickly that the shelter is now working hard to keep up. Each transport requires careful coordination and preparation, including health checks, travel logistics, and partnerships with out-of-state rescues—all while continuing to care for the steady stream of animals arriving locally.

“We’re proud we started out with a bang, but the Paws on the Runway program is an ongoing project,” says Polk.

That’s where residents of Flower Mound, Lewisville, and surrounding areas come in. While the idea of dogs boarding “flights” to new homes captures attention, the real work lies much closer to home. Fosters, volunteers, and supporters are sorely needed to help prepare these animals for their journeys. Foster families, in particular, play a critical role. By sharing their homes temporarily, fosters give dogs a break from the shelter environment, helping them decompress, socialize, and prepare them for a life at home. Even a short stay in a foster home can dramatically improve a dog’s chances of adoption, whether locally or after transport.

“We try to make the fostering process as easy as possible,” shares Polk. “We cover all medical expenses, and food, kennels, and toys are all provided by the shelter.”

For those who may not be ready to foster, there are still countless ways to get involved. Volunteers assist with everything from walking and grooming dogs to helping at adoption events and transport days. Donations, whether monetary or supplies like food, bedding, and toys, help ensure each animal is healthy, comfortable, and ready for their next chapter.

Of course, for anyone considering adding a four-legged friend to their family, the shelter always encourages local adoption first. While many dogs are transported out of state, there are still plenty right here in our community waiting for a place to call home. What makes Paws on the Runway so special isn’t just the logistics or the numbers, it’s the stories the program creates. Once-anxious shelter dogs who were facing an uncertain fate are now sleeping soundly in their “fur-ever” homes. Families who wanted to share their lives have now found a new member of the family. And a network of conscientious people hundreds of miles away made those stories possible.

“We would love to get to a point where the animals don’t need to wait for a new home, but until then, there’s plenty of work to go around,” shares Polk. As the program continues to grow, so does its need for support. With more dogs arriving and more demand from partner rescues, the shelter is calling on the community to step in and be part of something truly meaningful. If you are interested in fostering, volunteering, or adopting, visit the City of Lewisville Animal Services website at cityoflewisville.com/our-services/animal-services