When more than 150 cats and dogs that survived Hurricane Irma touched down at the Oakland Airport, the Golden State Warriors were there to greet them on the tarmac.

The animals spent the afternoon crossing the country in a FedEx-chartered plane. Until they find new permanent homes, the animals will stay at SF Animal Care and Control, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, Marin Humane, Hopalong Rescue, and the SPCA of Monterey County, some of whom will be waiving adoption fees.

The animals were awaiting adoption prior to Irma, ASPCA officials said. Their relocation frees up space in Florida's shelters for strays with owners who were lost in the storm-induced bedlam.

"We learned a lot of lessons after Katrina," said Marine Humane spokeswomman Lisa Bloch. "One big lesson was you don't take owned animals."

The Warriors and Miami Heat often play on opposing sides, but the two teams joined forces to see the animals off and welcome them upon arrival.

"It's been eye-opening to learn about all the animals affected by natural disasters like Hurricane Irma," Warriors center Zaza Pachulia said in a statement. He's "looking forward to hearing about all these dogs and cats finding loving homes in the Bay Area."

A handful of Irma-displaced animals have already been welcomed into the homes and onto the laps of local residents. Prior to Friday's fresh batch of residents, more than 150 animal refugees had been relocated to the Bay Area after Hurricane Irma left Florida with overcrowded shelters.

Read Michelle Robertson’s latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.