15 Chihuahuas Get Free Flight on Virgin America

Jan. 6, 2010— -- A Virgin America flight today from San Francisco to New today included 15 very special -- and adorable -- passengers: Chihuahuas that aren't wanted in California but are in high demand in New York.

The San Francisco-based airline is flying the 15 dogs across the country as part of an effort to ease California's massive overpopulation of Chihuahuas. Luckily for the dogs, they are in high demand on the East Coast. Virgin America donated space on its flight this morning to transport the dogs from San Francisco Animal Care and Control to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New York City.

The 15 dogs -- with names including Maximus, Jeb, Bella, Collette, Malibu, Annie, Sherlock, Honey and Tina -- can be viewed on the San Francisco pet organization's Web site.

The airline used the opportunity to maximize its free publicity, announcing the dogs will travel in "high-style" with a red carpet departure from San Francisco and a chance to ride in carriers in the plane's regular passenger cabin. The flight is complete with champagne cocktail "Chi-mosas" and cupcakes for the human passengers, and doggie treats and toys for the Chihuahuas.

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Over the past year, California shelters have seen a dramatic influx in Chihuahuas, with the tiny pups making up more than 30 percent of the shelter dog population. While demand for them has declined in much of the sunny state, their popularity in New York City is as high as ever.

This is not the first time such dogs have made the transcontinental journey.

"Grey's Anatomy" actress Katherine Heigl's foundation has been paying to transport the dogs to the East Coast through a program called Project Flying Chihuahua.