Welcome, Rescue Partners

We’re so grateful you’re here.

At Dog Is My CoPilot, our work only happens because of strong, compassionate partnerships with shelters and rescue organizations like yours. Together, we’re creating life-saving pathways for adoptable animals moving them from overcrowded communities to areas where families are waiting. This partner page is designed to help you prepare for successful flights, understand our transport process, and access tools and tips that make each mission smooth and impactful. When we work together with clear communication and shared goals, we can save even more lives both in your community and nationwide.

STEP 1

Complete the Partner Agreement

Partner Agreement (PDF)

Please download and sign our partner agreement. Return your signed agreement to rfc@dogcopilot.org.

STEP 2

Apply to Become a Partner

Partner Application

Tips for Rescue Flight Planning

Pre-Flight Checklist & Sample Itinerary

A guide to help you prepare for the DIMC transport flights. Detailed steps and requirements to ensure the safe and efficient transfer of animals, including guidelines for pre-flight preparations, animal crating, documentation, and communication with the flight team.

Pre-Flight Checklist >

View Sample Itinerary >

Transport Protocol & State Animal Movement Requirements

DIMC works as a third-party entity, meaning we are an independent organization specializing in transport and we are not a sheltering agency. DIMC works with both the source and the destination agency to facilitate transport. While we are not responsible for choosing the animals that are transported, this document serves as a basic guideline.

Dog Is My CoPilot (DIMC) Transport Protocol for Source and Destination Partners >

Crate Labeling & Capacity

Dog Is My Copilot recommends purchasing these labels. If the source group is sending to multiple groups color code the destination organizations where animals will be sent.

Crate Labeling Example >

Examples of Crate Capacity >

Transport Frequently Asked Questions

We’re excited to partner with you on lifesaving flights as Dog Is My CoPilot (DIMC) continues expanding operations with our third aircraft. Strong coordination and communication help ensure every mission runs smoothly and together, we can move more animals to safety.

View FAQ >

Media

Media is welcome but must be pre-approved by the airport in advance. Notify DIMC if you plan to have media present.

Media Fact Sheet >

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you fly dogs & cats on the plane together?

Yes, DIMC will fly with both dogs and cats on the same plane.

How many animals can fit on the plane?

On average, we transport approximately 75 animals per flight.

The exact number depends on the size of the animals:

Flights with mostly small animals may carry 75+ pets.
Flights with medium to large dogs may accommodate closer to 50 animals.
A minimum of 50 animals is typically required for a flight to operate at capacity.

(Refer to our Crate Capacity Example for details from previous flights.)

What should receiving partners expect at the airport?

A detailed flight itinerary will be emailed to all participating partners. This includes:

Airport pickup location
Arrival and departure times

Important: The aircraft is typically on the ground for approximately 30 minutes to unload and refuel. Timely arrival is essential.

Airport & Unloading Guidelines

Check in at the designated Fixed Base Operator (FBO) for tarmac access instructions.
Drive vehicles to the aircraft as directed by FBO staff.
Coordinate in advance with DIMC’s Flight Coordinator regarding how many vehicles will be needed.
Plan for 2–6 team members to assist with unloading, depending on crate count and participating partners.
Pilots typically fly solo, so receiving partners are responsible for unloading animals.

Kennel Instructions

All transport kennels must be taken with you.
Please plan adequate vehicle space for empty crates.
Bring broken down crates (with doors secured between top and bottom halves) to replace the ones used during transport.
Exact kennels may not return to the original sending shelter.

Media

Media is welcome but must be pre-approved by the airport in advance. Please notify DIMC if media will be present.

What type of kennels are used?

Animals are transported in plastic kennels (no wire crates).

Receiving partners are responsible for returning broken down crates on a future flight so they remain in circulation for sending shelters.

What does a flight cost?

DIMC provides all flights at no cost to sending or receiving partners.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely entirely on grants, sponsors, and individual donors to fund our operations.

How are flight dates scheduled?

Flight dates are scheduled in advance to allow partners to coordinate staffing and logistics.

Once routes and partnerships are established, DIMC aims to provide consistent monthly service whenever possible.

DOWNLOAD FAQs (pdf)

Resources

Although animal welfare has made great improvements when it comes to lifesaving, there are over a million healthy shelter pets euthanized for lack of resources or available space every year. Some regions experience the opposite problems of long adoption and foster waitlists and fewer animals available for adoption in shelters than people interested in adoption. Check out this toolkit to help get started with with organization to help transporter pets to save more lives.

Pedigree Foundation

A Guide to Effective Dog Transport Programs

This guide is for animal welfare professionals and anyone else who wants to learn the basics of dog transport. It is intended to serve as a starting point in considering how you can play a role in improving positive outcomes for pets.

VIEW GUIDE

Pedigree Foundation

Webinar

Kristen Hassen was joined by Clare Callison, Austin Pets Alive!; Mirah Horowitz, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue; and Karen Walsh, ASPCA to discuss all the details of the toolkit including highlights of real situations, practical solutions, and recommended resources as you get started.

American Pets Alive!

10 Tips for Source Shelters

Whether you’re just starting a transport program or have been transporting for years, there’s always room to grow and maximize your lifesaving impact. Here’s the top 10 tips all source shelters should know for successful transfer partnerships.

VIEW ARTICLE

American Pets Alive!

10 Tips for Destination Shelters

Whether you’re just starting a transport program or have been transporting for years, there’s always room to grow and maximize your lifesaving impact. Here’s the top 10 tips all destination shelters should know for successful transfer partnerships.

VIEW ARTICLE

Interstate Animal Movement Regulations

Find out what you need to be compliant with state movement requirements for dogs and cats.

INTERSTATE ANIMAL MOVEMENT REQUIREMENTS

USDA STATE REGULATIONS

Petco Love is dedicated to helping pets live their best lives by building lifesaving communities nationwide—and Dog Is My CoPilot proudly shares this vision! Petco Love is here to support your organization in making a difference. Visit PetcoLove.org to learn how they can help you save more lives.

Our lifesaving animal transport flights are made possible through generous funding from Petco Love. As a strategic partner, Dog Is My CoPilot encourages you to join the Petco Love partner network. Have questions about the process? Contact Petco Love at Partners@PetcoLove.org to explore priority funding opportunities and other valuable resources.

Petco Love Grants