Renee Zellweger helping Houston animals after Harvey

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Homeward bound! 70 cats and dogs are going on the trip of a lifetime to find their fur-ever homes in California.

Since Hurricane Harvey, local shelters have been packed with more and more animals. So, volunteers with Austin Pets Alive, Houston Pet's Alive, MAD Dog Rescue and Lucy's Pet Foundation are sending animals to California that were in shelters before the hurricane hit.

RELATED: "Houston Pets Alive" works to make Houston no kill city

"Houston Pets Alive" only became a physical shelter after they rescued hundreds of animals during Harvey, but they've been saving animals from euthanasia for years.

"It's an emergency situation because there are hundreds being housed and there is no room for any of them and a lot of people lost their homes," said volunteer, Dr. Karen Halligan.

One volunteer made the opposite trip from California to Houston to help out.

"I was in Los Angeles and like everybody, I was just watching it and thinking well what are we going to do?" said Katy native and famous actress, Renee Zellweger.

Zellweger has been helping local rescue groups.

"I'm a Texan and I just wanted to find a place where I could contribute. It didn't feel right to just send a donation. That works and everything but I'm from here so it didn't feel right to just stay home and not be part of a team," said Zellweger

Volunteers are hoping to do six or seven more trips.

For more information on how to help click here.

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