S14. E3: Michael Schneider: Pilots to the Rescue
“We do own and operate aircraft, but we also put a lot of energy into telling the story and that’s really important because that’s what’s going to provide transformation in this space, because people will hear about what we do think it’s a cool mission. We inspire people. They’ll think twice about buying an animal. They’ll open up their homes and hearts to foster. And that’s really what we are. We’re change agents. We’re creating transformation for alternatives to euthanizing animals”
Every year in the United States, nearly a million dogs and cats are euthanized, and many of them could be saved but aren't because they're in the wrong place. Shelters in some parts of the country are overflowing, while others have families waiting to adopt. Sometimes the difference between life and death is simply getting an animal from one place to another.
That's where Michael Schneider comes in. Michael is the founder and CEO of Pilots to the Rescue, a nonprofit that combines pilots, specially equipped aircraft and ground transport to move animals from overcrowded shelters, disaster zones and emergency situations to places where they have a second chance.
Since launching the organization in 2015, they have transported more than 7000 animals, built a network of more than 1000 volunteer pilots, and expanded their work beyond dogs and cats to include endangered wolves, sea turtles, disaster response and even the occasional federally protected rescue mission.
Michael shares what he's learned after a decade of witnessing the shelter crisis firsthand and explains why storytelling saves more lives than any single flight.
Please listen and share.
In gratitude,
Elizabeth Novogratz
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