In this first‑person video, pilot Michael Schneider explains why he founded Pilots to Rescue in 2015, a nonprofit that uses private‑plane flights to transport animals from overcrowded shelters that face time limits and potential euthanasia. He describes the logistical challenges of loading crates into a small aircraft, the cost pressures that demand maximizing cabin space, and a recent rescue of 11 dogs from a Mississippi shelter. Schneider emphasizes the urgency of moving animals before shelters must euthanize them, and he highlights the broader mission of raising public awareness about this novel rescue method. He argues that combining personal passion—aviation—with compassion for animals can inspire a transformational shift, encouraging people to act kindly and pursue what they love.
Chapters
I started Pilots to Rescue back in 2015 to combine my love of aviation and rescuing animals. I had always grown up with rescue animals. It never even crossed my mind to buy an animal. None of these shelters want to euthanize animals, but they have lack of space, they're overcrowded. So they get a time limit that they need to adopt these animals out. If they're not claimed, they have to euthanize them, and we do our best to help transport those animals out. We're picking up a We rescued 11 dogs today from an overcrowded shelter in Mississippi. We got the cabin loaded with about 10 or so crates, and we do our best to put as many in there as possible because it's expensive to fly. So you want to make sure that you're using every inch of that cabin to rescue these furry souls. Clear to go first runway 3. A lot of these animals have limited time to get out of the shelter. They know that they're being adopted. They're usually coming from an unfortunate situation. It's all good. You made it. These are all really good dogs. Good girl. Hi! You got her? Animals are very present and they're very loyal and they listen, and that's what we all need to do. I always like to say if people were more like the animals, we'd be in a much better place. You're well behaved. The statistics are improving and I believe it's because of awareness. So another thing that Pilots to Rescue does is we help create awareness. This is a novel concept, transporting animals with a plane. It's not something you hear about all the time. If I can inspire someone to focus on doing what they really are passionate about, that creates a little transformational shift in our world. We're all connected. It's a reminder to people that it's important to be compassionate, and it's also a reminder to people that you need to do what you love.
