Soar with a Purpose: Pilots To The Rescue Helps Pet Brands Help At-Risk Companion Animals

Every year in the United States, nearly one million homeless pets face euthanasia. These heartbreaking statistics stem primarily from overcrowded shelters that simply run out of space. One of the clients I work with is Pilots To The Rescue, an amazing nonprofit offering hope by providing a vital transportation network between rescue organizations and adoption facilities across the country. 

Their innovative approach uses air transportation to give abandoned and surrendered pets a second chance at life. By flying these animals to shelters with available space, they dramatically increase their chances of finding forever homes with loving families. This efficient transportation system helps reduce euthanasia rates while connecting pets with potential adopters in communities ready to welcome them. 

While traditional ground transportation methods can be lengthy and potentially stressful for animals, taking more than 24 hours with multiple stops, Pilots To The Rescue’s air transport service provides a faster, safer alternative. For many at-risk animals, these flights represent their only chance at survival and adoption. 

“I started Pilots To The Rescue to fill a critical gap in the animal rescue system — too many adoptable pets were being euthanized due to overcrowded shelters,” said Michael Schneider, founder and executive director of Pilots To The Rescue. “By using aviation to transport these animals to facilities with more resources and higher adoption rates, I transformed my passion for flying into a life-saving mission.” 

Like many small- and medium-sized non-profit pet organizations, they rely on the support of brands and businesses to keep our operation rolling. Without their support, they wouldn’t be able to rescue animals in need — but it’s a win-win situation for both Pilots To The Rescue and their sponsors. 

‘Doing Good’ is Good for Business 

Whenever I work with a pet brand, I’ll ask the following questions: do you have a charitable component to your business? How are you making a difference in your community or in the lives of animals or shelter pets? 

I believe it’s vital for any business to show their consumers that they’re a brand that gives back and cares about animals. You have to demonstrate your commitment to making the world a better place for animals if you want to connect with pet parents.  

There are studies that show that customers are more likely to be loyal to brands that support meaningful causes. A Nielsen survey found that over half of U.S. consumers (52.3 percent) purchase from brands that support causes they care about; similarly, more than 36 percent expect the brands they buy from to support social causes. 

The pet industry is booming. Aligning with a respected nonprofit just adds authenticity to your marketing and it’s something that your competitors can’t easily replicate. Plus, a well-executed campaign will generate media coverage and social media awareness and shine a light on how you are giving back. 

Let’s talk to three corporate sponsors who have made all the difference at Pilots To The Rescue: 

Hartz: Supporting Pilots To The Rescue has had a significant impact on Hartz’s business. It helps fulfill their corporate social responsibility mission with Hartz Loving Paws. Their mission, “Celebrating the unconditional love that pets give us through our support of shelters, fosters and families in need,” is significantly advanced through this collaboration.  

This partnership allows Hartz to directly support the pet community, empowering organizations and volunteers who tirelessly care for dogs and cats until they find their forever homes. Ultimately, both organizations share a common goal: To ensure more pets are in loving homes and more families experience the unconditional love that life with a pet brings. 

BISSELL: The BISSELL Pet Foundation’s mission is to support animal welfare organizations and provide resources to underserved communities, ultimately aiming to reduce the number of animals in shelters and rescues.  

“Working together with Pilots To The Rescue, we can move more pets and save more lives,” said Kim Alboum, director of field operations for BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Anytime we can collaborate with an organization to save lives, it’s a positive for our brand.” 

The BISSELL Pet Foundation promotes pet adoption, spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations, microchipping and responding to crises and disasters.  

Tito’s Handmade Vodka: An important part of the story at Tito’s Handmade Vodka is the innate connection the company has with its canine counterparts. Since the beginning, Tito’s has been committed to supporting and protecting animals and, through its Vodka for Dog People program has helped better the lives of pets and their families. Tito’s amplifies the work of animal-based nonprofits across the nation and beyond, with a focus on supporting low cost spay/neuter services and veterinary care. 

“We are proud to support Pilots To The Rescue and the incredible work they do across the East coast,” said Victoria Lewis, field sales manager at Tito’s Handmade Vodka. “They are transforming the lives of thousands of dogs by giving them a new life. As the Vodka for Dog People, we just had to get onboard.” 

Patricia E, Jones is the founder and CEO of Paws PR, a pet-focused marketing agency that has partnered with pet product companies and animal protection organizations for over 20 years. In 2015, she was honored with the Pet Age Women of Influence award. She lives in New York City with her family and three rescued cats.