Check us out in Go Magazine – the AAA magazine for the Carolinas!

Check us out in Go Magazine – the AAA magazine for the Carolinas!

Pilots To The Rescue is featured in the current issue of Go Magazine – AAA’s official magazine for the Carolinas, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.  Author Martin Rose wrote a fabulous piece that talks about the problem of pet overpopulation, the challenges we face as an organization, and how you can help.

Read it online now on the AAA Go Magazine website.

Your Giving Tuesday Donations Are Saving Lives

How to Help Your Pet Settle Into a New Living Environment

How to Help Your Pet Settle Into a New Living Environment

by Cindy Aldridge, guest contributor

Moving can be a difficult process for humans and pets alike. Whether you’ve had your pet for many years or have recently adopted them, it’s essential that you take steps to help them settle comfortably into their new living environment. From prioritizing their health to providing them with a routine to ensuring they are cared for on moving day, here are some practical tips for helping your pet adjust to a new home:

Remember their health.

Moving takes a lot of your time and energy, but it’s essential not to forget about your pet’s health in the process. Along with taking the time to exercise and play with your pet, make sure that they are eating quality food. Especially if you have a puppy, a nutritious diet can boost their muscle development, brain health, and vision, among other things. It’s best to choose food that is full of lean protein and free of empty carbs. The same applies for treats; you want to make sure you select the cleanest and healthiest options. Additionally, if your pet has any issues with inflammation or anxiety, CBD treats can possibly help alleviate these issues.

Maintain consistency.

Few things will be consistent during the moving process, but it’s important to provide your pet with some consistency along the way. Per Pet Coach, lack of routine can lead to anxiety and stress in pets when they are in a home that they’re used to. When they are moved to a new home, that anxiety and stress can be intensified. Try to maintain the same playtimes, mealtimes, and potty times with your pet during your move.

Show them extra love.

Showing love and affection is always necessary when it comes to pets. However, when they are trying to settle into a new environment, it becomes essential. Even though you will be busy, try to spend a little extra time with your pet as they become acclimated. Take them for an extra walk, play with them a little longer, talk to them, and shower them with hugs and kisses throughout the day.

Stay home for the first few days.

One way to ensure that you can spend some extra time with your pet and keep their routine intact is to stay home once you move in. While a week would be ideal, try to stay home for at least a few days if that isn’t practical. This might mean taking off work or working from home, as well as postponing other events. But doing so will go a long way in providing your pet with a sense of security.

Have someone watch your pet on moving day.

Moving day will most likely be very busy for you, and having your pet alongside you may not be the best idea. Not only will it add more responsibilities than you already have, but the moving of boxes and large items can cause pets severe anxiety. Ask a family member or friend to watch your pet that day, and come back to them once your moving duties are finished. If a family member or friend is not available, look for a reputable pet sitter in your area.

Make sure they have a bag packed.

Lastly, be sure to pack your pet a bag of essentials for moving day, whether they are with you or being watched by someone else. This bag should include basic necessities like food, treats, and safety equipment (e.g., collar, harness, leash, etc.). And pack any items that will help them stay comfortable throughout the moving process, such as their favorite blanket and toys.

Make your move as easy as possible for your pet. Be sure to keep their health in mind, try to keep consistency, and give them lots of love and affection. Also, plan to stay home for at least a few days after you move in, arrange for your pet to be watched on moving day, and pack them a bag of essential items. Preparing for your pet to have a comfortable moving experience will do wonders for helping them settle into their new home quickly.

Help Save Lives and Avoid Paying Capital Gains

Have you ever considered a gift of stock to help pets in need? Any publicly traded stock that has appreciated can be donated directly to Pilots To The Rescue. In doing so, you avoid paying capital gains and you may even be eligible for an income tax deduction of the fair market value of the stock.

Find out more at https://www.pilotstotherescue.org/ways-to-donate/

Air Travel Policy Updates for Flying with Pets

Do you travel with your pet? Did you know that Airlines have changed their pet policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic? That’s why it’s more important than ever for travelers to understand what evolving airline policies mean for traveling safely with their pet.

To help keep you and your pet safe while flying, the team at Million Mile Secrets recently created a great resource – a comprehensive chart of airlines and their updated pet travel restrictions. “We help pet owners opt for the most appropriate airline for their pet and even break down alternative travel options if policies are too restrictive” said Tatiana from Million Mile Secrets.

Not planning on flying with your pet soon? Million Mile Secrets also offers tips for those traveling with pets by car, ship or train.

Check out all the important information you need to know in “Traveling with your pet amid COVID-19 restrictions.”

Employer Matching Gifts DOUBLE the Impact of Your Donation

Does your employer offer a matching gift program? If so, you may be able to increase the power of your gift to Pilots to the Rescue!

Many employers match your personal donations – some 1:1 and others as much as 3:1. Companies with matching gift programs include GE, Soros, Gap, ExxonMobil, CarMax, BP, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, Pfizer, IBM, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Amex, and thousands more. Employer matching gifts may also be available to you if you are the spouse of an employee, a retired employee, or the spouse/widow/widower of a retiree. Check with your company for more information.

No employer matching program but still want to help? Check this page for more ways to help!

Michael’s Big Beagle Rescue

When the manager at the Fairfield, NJ airport where we keep the PTTR plane asked for help with a Beagle in need, Top Dog pilot Michael Schneider didn’t hesitate to help out. He quickly reached out to our friends at A New Chance in Bedford Hills, NY who agreed to help, and then made sure the little guy got to them safely.

Speaking of A New Chance, check out the 2020 Happy Tails page on their website – you’ll see some familiar faces from previous PTTR flights!

Remember to Smile!

Don’t forget to choose PTTR when you shop at Amazon!

Just start at smile.amazon.com, log in, and choose Pilots To The Rescue as your charity of choice!

New to Amazon Smile? It’s a great website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice. Visit smile.amazon.com and choose PTTR to help us keep the planes flying!

PTTR doesn’t let the pets down, Episode II

On March 1st, PTTR Pilots once again teamed up to get 10 dogs in need from Friends of Screven County Animal Services, Sylvania Georgia to Saved Me in Philadelphia, PA.

Southeast pilot John finished the first leg of the flight without incident, but just before Top Dog Pilot Michael and the PTTR plane landed in North Carolina to transfer the pets from one plane to the other, the alternator in the PTTR plane failed.

They landed safely, but again, we weren’t about to let the pets down! Instead of flying them to Philadelphia, Michael drove them all the way.

Everyone made the trip to Philly safely, just a bit later than planned.

Thanks to Woffle!

Remember when Woffle pledged to donate a bed to PTTR for every bed purchased on Giving Tuesday and throughout the month of December? They came through for us and the pets we transport in a big way, even delivering the beds to our hanger in person!

You can show your support for PTTR by patronizing those who support us. Check out the organic, easy to clean pet beds on their website.