Aviation service provider Sheltair has partnered with animal rescue charity Pilots N Paws to assist with the costs associated with rescue flights. The announcement was made in recognition of International Dog Day last week. Sheltair is based in Florida, one of five states that together account for 50 percent of all animal euthanasias in the U.S.
Since its founding in 2008, Pilots N Paws members have saved the lives of more than 200,000 animals by flying them to areas with no-kill shelters. The charity has more than 6,000 aviation-related volunteers, and through the agreement with Sheltair, its registered volunteer pilots will be assigned digital cards to present at the FBO customer service desks to receive fuel discounts when flying rescue missions.
“As a family-owned company, we recognize the significance of pets as beloved members of our homes,” said Sheltair president Lisa Holland, adding that saving animals has been important to her ever since she adopted her own rescue dog. “Sheltair looks forward to contributing animal saving efforts in our communities and across the country.”
Among the charity’s other supporters is Cirrus Aircraft, which lists several active volunteers among its staff, in addition to some of its aircraft-owning customers. The Minnesota-based airframer has also provided financial support to the organization.