Good Flights charity program rehomes over 8,800 shelter pets

Greater Good Charities kicked off its third year of the Good Flights program and has successfully transported more than 8,800 at-risk shelter pets from the southern US to new homes on the East Coast and in the western part of the country. That number includes over 900 asymptomatic heartworm-positive dogs in honor of Heartworm Awareness Month. It is also a part of the “Save a Heart” initiative, which according to an organizational release, “aims to reduce euthanasia in overcrowded animal shelters by preventing and treating heartworm disease in shelter dogs.”¹

Greater Good Charities consists of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, the maker of HEARTGARD Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), and The Animal Rescue Site. HEARTGARD Plus is for use in dogs to prevent canine heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis) for 30 days after infection.

Boehringer Ingelheim covered medical costs and provided products to treat asymptomatic heartworm-positive shelter dogs. The Animal Rescue Site funded various transports that occur approximately 4 times a month.

Participating shelter partners in Louisiana and Alabama include Iberville Parish Animal Control, Lafourche Parish Animal Shelter, St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter, St. Martin Parish Animal Services, Cara’s House, Lafayette Animal Shelter, and Care Center, LASPCA Save a Pet Rescue & Transport, and Terrebonne Parish.

In its third year, the "Save a Heart" initiative will have multiple receiving shelter partners in New Jersey, Florida, Idaho, and Pennsylvania including founding partners, Humane Society of Broward County and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center.

“After just 2 years 'Save a Heart,' a life-saving initiative of our Good Flights program, has provided at-risk shelter dogs in the South with a second chance and a new home,” said Liz Baker, CEO of Greater Good Charities, in the release. “It’s truly rewarding to work with Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of HEARTGARD Plus, and The Animal Rescue Site to change the course of these pets’ lives and showcase that, with the right care and treatment, this disease does not have to result in tragedy for these pets.”¹

"Heartworm is a devastating disease for dogs and those who care for them, said Julie Ryan-Johnson, DVM, associate director of shelter programs at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. “Boehringer Ingelheim is proud to collaborate with Greater Good Charities to provide treatment and prevention to shelter dogs, giving them a second chance to live healthy lives with forever families.”¹

Reference

Greater Good Charities, with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health & The Animal Rescue Site, kicks off 3rd year of Good Flights & successful transport of 8,800+ shelter pets to adoptive homes including 900+ asymptomatic heartworm-positive dogs. News release. Greater Good Charities. April 3, 2023. Accessed April 11, 2023. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2023/04/03/2639863/0/en/Greater-Good-Charities-with-Boehringer-Ingelheim-Animal-Health-The-Animal-Rescue-Site-Kicks-Off-3rd-Year-of-Good-Flights-Successful-Transport-of-8-800-Shelter-Pets-to-Adoptive-Home.html