Volunteers create backbone of WestJet Air Angels

A unique collaboration between animal rescue organizations and WestJet Airlines employees has seen the transportation of more than 100 animals across Canada. 

Nearly four years ago, Inge Neilson created Animal Rescue Transportation Society (ARTS) when she recognized a gap in the relocation of shelter animals. ARTS is a network of volunteers who provide ground transportation to animals. Not long after, a handful of WestJet employees jumped on board, using their buddy pass system to accompany the dogs on flights. 

There are now more than 150 WestJet employees involved in the organization. Each relocation trip costs approximately $100 after crate fees that are offset by the accommodating animal societies. 

"Working together is so much more productive and rewarding than working separately," said Neilson. "Because what we can do together is greater than what a single person can do in the community by themselves. I can't tell you how much we depend on our volunteers to keep this going." 

ARTS Air Angels on Facebook