PNP has helped to transport everything from dogs, cats and turtles to bear cubs and a dolphin! Bennett has worked with the Coast Guard and others to get the job done!

Based in Florida, Bennett started flying for PNP in late 2008. He tries to do two monthly flights. Pilots schedule themselves on a web board where they mark down how many miles they are willing to fly, along with a region — Bennett allows for 450 nautical miles.

If a rescue group posts an animal needing transport in his radius, he will receive an email and decide if it is within his territory. If not, other pilots in the area receive emails and decide if they can make the trip. Pilots can also scan through postings and even choose to fly outside their designated territory.

via JEFF BENNETT/PILOTS N PAWS

“I primarily work with one group in Alabama [Alabama Rescue Relay] because they always fill my aircraft,” Bennett said. “I post it on Facebook that I'm making a transport on a particular day.” He will ask if anyone in the state needs to get a dog transported north, and then he'll bring back dogs to where they need to go. He also works with a number of other rescues in Florida that have high numbers of adoptions.

via JEFF BENNETT/PILOTS N PAWS

“It is all volunteer, so I can look at a posting and decide yes or no,” Bennett said. “Pilots want to be in the air, and I can do some good at the same time.”

The pilot says one of his favorite transports was a border collie who slipped out of his harness. Bennett says he sat in the copilot seat and put his paws on the dash, looking out the window. He sat there as they flew that way for nearly the entire trip!

To read more, including how Mr. Bennett typically spends his volunteering day go to The Dodo.

Featured Image via JEFF BENNETT/PILOTS N PAWS