FLY A DOG TO FREEDOM!
Do you have a flight scheduled from Los Angeles, Dallas, San Diego, or Tijuana to NYC?
You can help save a life by bringing along one of our rescue dogs!
Please email your completed FLIGHT TRANSPORTER APPLICATION to waggyvolunteer@gmail.com and one of our volunteers will respond with next steps.
Volunteer chaperones are the primary way we move dogs from some of these high-risk areas to New York City, where small, apartment-friendly dogs are in high demand. Each dog is flown in the cabin, under your seat in an airline-approved carrier that we provide, ensuring comfort and companionship the whole trip.
FLIGHT CHAPERONE FAQ
How and when do I send my flight information to you?
Please fill out a FLIGHT TRANSPORTER APPLICATION and email it to waggyvolunteer@gmail.com. We will then contact you via email to ask for more information if necessary, to give instructions for adding a pup to your flight, and to put you in contact with the local foster to arrange a handover of your pup. We need a minimum of three days to arrange the transport, but the more time the better for our all-volunteer network!
How do I add a dog to my reservation?
It usually takes about ten minutes if you call the airline directly and ask to add a pet to your flight reservation, please have your confirmation number on hand. As a third-party, we cannot add a dog to your flight reservation. It is highly recommended that you add the dog to your reservation in advance, as most airlines restrict the total number of animals in the cabin. We use standard airline-approved, soft-sided carriers and will let you know the breed, age and weight of the dog before you call to add them to your flight.
How does the check-in process differ?
Check-in as usual, with the addition of a dog on your itinerary. At security, place all your carry on items as normal into the bins, then pick up your pup and carry them through the metal detector with you. The carrier needs to pass through the x-ray machine, and the dog can be placed back in the carrier on the other side. Board the plane as usual and place the pup in their carrier under the seat in front of you. Be sure to keep your dog fully enclosed in the provided carrier with their harness and leash on while you are in the airport and on the plane.
How do I get reimbursed for the dog's ticket?
We will reimburse the cost of the dog's ticket, please email us with a copy of your receipt and send a request on Venmo (@WaggytailRescue) or Paypal (waggytailrescue@gmail.com). We can also provide a check if requested on the transporter application.
Do I need to provide anything for the dog while they are flying with me?
No. We will provide the dog's leash, harness, tags, and an airline-approved carrier stocked with poop bags and a little food. All of these items should go with the pup when they are handed over to their NYC foster or returned directly to Waggytail. The dog's paper medical records and any necessary medication will also be in the carrier.
Where will I pick up the dog in my departure city?
This is arranged on a case-by-case basis depending on the time of your flight, where you are staying, and your flexibility. If you are able, we may drop the dog off with you the day before your flight or earlier on the day of your flight. We can also arrange for airport drop offs two hours prior to departure.
What happens when I land in NYC?
We aim to finalize who the NYC foster parent will be at least a couple of days before the flight. We will put you in contact with the NYC foster via email to arrange a suitable time and place for handover. If you need airport pick up, please let us know with as much notice as possible. If you are interested in fostering your flight buddy once you get to NYC, please fill out a foster application in advance of your flight and email it to waggyvolunteer@gmail.com! Please visit the fostering page on our website for further information on what fostering entails.
"I had never travelled on a plane with a pet before, so I was pretty nervous about it and unsure what to expect. Turns out my nerves were unnecessary as chaperoning Winston was super-easy and straight-forward!"
"It was such a lovely experience, an incredibly smooth process, from when we met Holly (LA foster) to drop Clyde off, checking him in, through security, the flight, and meeting Katie his (NYC) foster, it couldn't have gone smoother!"
"It was fun and easy transporting Chloe. She was brought right to arrivals at LAX and then picked up at my doorstep when I got to my apartment, so there were zero hassles as far as getting her and handing her off. She was a sweet gal..."