WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) — Local pilots are taking to the skies to fly animals from overcrowded shelters.
Dog Rescue Flights said 390,000 dogs are euthanized each year.
To help reduce that number, the nonprofit frees up space in shelters by flying animals to sanctuaries, no-kill shelters and adoptive homes.
“It feels good to be able to use our aircraft and use aviation as a mechanism to, you know, to help the animals,” a local volunteer pilot said.
Monday, the organization picked up Tide, a pit bull mix from North Carolina.
“He’s a pit bull hound, or something else, and he was scheduled for to be euthanized. But he is going to his forever home in Connecticut,” the pilot said.
The ride in the sky makes for a quick trip. The plane only seats one animal, making transport less stressful.
“I know a lot of dogs have anxiety when it comes to car rides, when it comes to plane rides when it comes to transportation, so I think this is a fantastic way to get them comfortably, quickly and efficiently into their forever homes,” said Erica Buzard, a Williamsburg Flight Center student pilot. “It’s absolutely beautiful seeing what aviation can spring into, where it can take you, and what it can do for a better cause as well.”
So far, the nonprofit has saved 68 dogs and cats. Dog Rescue Flights look to increase the number and save more animals this year.
