World's Largest Airlift of Homeless Pets Scheduled
July 16, 2009
Earlier this week, the world's first all-pet airliner took flight. Now Nicole Lasorda informs me of another project that will pair pets with jets.
<<Pilots N Paws, an online forum that connects animal rescue groups and volunteer pilots, is launching the Pilots N Paws 5000, the largest pet airlift ever. From September 12 to 20, Pilots N Paws volunteers will attempt something that’s never been done — transport 5,000 homeless animals in a single week.
(Image of shelter black cat: GalaWebDesign)
“The goal of the Pilots N Paws 5000 is to increase awareness about different
ways people can help animals in need, whether it’s by providing air
transportation, becoming a foster home or general volunteering,” says Jon
Wehrenberg, co-founder of Pilots N Paws. “It’s a unique way for people to
donate their time and talent to a very worthy cause.”
According to the National Council on Pet Population, 9.6 million shelter
animals are needlessly euthanized each year. The aim of Pilots N Paws is to
decrease this number by connecting shelters and rescue groups with pilots
willing to transport animals to safe homes.
(Image of shelter dog: Wikimedia)
With the help of the Pilots N Paws website, rescuers and foster homes in high
kill areas are able to locate their counterparts in areas of the country where
high kill rates are not the rule. These no-kill shelters will then make space
for the animals being rescued. The sending and receiving pair will team up with
a volunteer pilot, who will provide transportation during this special rescue
week.
To make this life-saving, heart-warming event a success, many more volunteers
are needed. Opportunities include:
· Pilots – Register online to fly
pets from shelters to their foster or forever homes.
· Short- and long-term foster homes –
Take care of pets, ranging from overnight stays en route to extended periods,
while adopters are found.
· General volunteers – Local shelters
always need help walking dogs, cleaning cages and filing paperwork.
In addition to volunteer roles, there are other ways to help:
· Spread the word – Tell your local
animal shelter about Pilots N Paws. If there’s a small airport nearby, ask the
manager to let its pilots know about the event.
· Donate – Pilots N Paws, rescue
groups and shelter donations are usually tax-deductible.
· Adopt – Consider taking one of the
rescued pets into your own home.
“I’m afraid thousands of pets will die if we don’t get them to new homes,” says
Wehrenberg. “I’m hoping we’ll get the help to make this event a tremendous
success.”
Pilots N Paws is a 501(c)(3) organization, so pilots’ expenses relating to
transport flights are tax-deductible. Pilots N Paws is an excellent example of
the critical role general aviation plays in our everyday lives. For more
information, or to help out with the Pilots N Paws 5000, visit
www.pilotsnpaws.org. And to learn more about other ways general aviation
affects everyday life, visit www.gaservesamerica.com.>>
















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