Animal Rescue — Another Joy of Flying

There are many joys of flying, including the freedom and peace one feels soaring above the clouds. But imagine the great satisfaction you would feel using your energy, skills and resources to rescue helpless animals from dismal lives and certain death. There are a growing number of pilots and organizations dedicated to saving the lives of homeless dogs and cats — and a growing need.

The Humane Society of the United States estimates that animal shelters care for six to eight million dogs and cats every year in the U.S., of whom approximately three to four million are euthanized. At this time, there is no central data reporting agency for animal shelters, so the actual numbers could be even higher.

Thousands of dogs, cats and other animals in need would have a better chance of living if they were able to travel to a new city or state. Many animal-loving pilots and plane owners are volunteering their time and resources to transport helpless animals hundreds or even thousands of miles to a new home or non-kill shelter.

Animal Rescue Flights (ARF)
Animal Rescue Flights is a non-profit, charitable organization of pilots and volunteers. ARF promotes, plans and performs the transportation of animals from overcrowded shelters where they face certain death to other parts of the country where qualified families are waiting to adopt them. There is never a fee of any kind, either to the sender or the receiver of an animal flying with ARF.

Pilots N Paws
Pilots N Paws puts organizations and people who rescue, shelter or foster needy animals in touch with pilots and plane owners willing to assist with their transportation. Through its website discussion boards and forum, those involved exchange information, and arrange to meet and transport dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals that need to be moved across the country. Pilots N Paws does not rescue the animals. All rescue flights are arranged between the people involved on an individual basis.

On a summer mission from Pilots N Paws, Rhonda Miles flew homeless dogs from Tennessee to Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD) in Virginia where André Bohy and his wife Donna were waiting to transport them to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Airport (KAVP). Their final destination was New Hampshire where another volunteer pilot flew them to their forever home. Pictured from left to right: Rhonda, André, Donna and three lucky animal friends.

Take Flight, Save a Life
Pilot André Bohy has flown missions in the past from BAC, and encourages fellow pilots to use their free time and flying skills to get involved. If you’re a pilot with a love of animals and calling to help give dogs and cats a second chance, contact André at andrebohy@optonline.net. It could be the adventure of a lifetime that ends in an animal finding their forever home and living a long, happy life.

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