SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — More than a dozen Chihuahuas from San Francisco are flying in style to new homes in New York.
The 15 animals are flying in the main cabin of Virgin America flights scheduled to leave from San Francisco International Airport on Wednesday morning.
Officials from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will meet the animals at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and help find them homes.
San Francisco animal control officials say Chihuahuas are in abundance at California animal shelters, but they’re in demand in other states like New York.
Experts say pop culture is to blame for the overpopulation of the dogs in California, with fans imitating Chihuahua-toting celebrities like Paris Hilton.
(This version CORRECTS to “Virgin America” not “Virgin Atlantic” in extended headline.)