Get to Know the Lifesaving Transfer Partners Helping Displaced Pets
In the world of animal welfare, one of the most vital strategies to save lives is the transfer of displaced pets from overcrowded or high-risk environments to shelters and rescues with more resources and better adoption prospects.
These efforts require creative solutions and dedicated organizations that specialize in transporting animals—whether locally, across states, or internationally. Below, we highlight some of the remarkable services and organizations working to give pets a second chance, along with ways you can support their lifesaving missions.
What Are Transfer Partners?
These organizations, known as transfer partners, help give animals a second chance, often by utilizing creative and life-saving methods, including airlifts and ground transport.
Transfer partners are rescue organizations, shelters, or groups that collaborate to move animals from areas with high intake rates or limited resources to locations where adoption rates are higher or more resources are available.
These transfers can take many forms, from creative transportation methods like planes to less conventional options like buses, but the goal remains the same: to save lives and ensure pets find loving homes.
How Transfer Partners Save Lives
Alleviating Overcrowding: Shelters with limited space often face euthanasia due to overcrowding. By transferring animals to other facilities with more room, they can ensure that each pet has a better chance of survival and adoption.
Expanding Adoption Opportunities: Some areas face fewer adoption opportunities, meaning animals may stay in shelters longer. Transfer partners move pets to shelters in areas where there is higher demand, improving the likelihood of finding a forever home.
Providing Medical Care and Rehabilitation: Certain pets may require special medical attention or rehabilitation. Transfer partners help these animals reach shelters or clinics equipped to handle their specific needs, improving their quality of life and chances of adoption.
Rescuing Animals in Crisis Situations: During emergencies, such as natural disasters or hoarding cases, transfer partners act as a lifeline, moving animals to safe shelters and preventing overcrowding and euthanasia.
Animal Rescue Flights (ARF)
ARF offers free transportation for animals from overcrowded shelters to areas where adoptive families are waiting.
ASPCA
The ASPCA Relocation Program uses land and air transportation to move animals from shelters with high homeless pet populations to shelters with high demand for adoption.
Coalition of Animal Rescue Transporters (CART)
CART is a partnership between animal welfare organizations that works to transport animals from shelters with low demand to shelters with high demand
Freedom Train Animal Rescue Transports
This volunteer-based service rescues animals from high-kill shelters and transports them to screened rescues or forever homes.
Flying Fur Animal Rescue
Flying Fur focuses on transporting animals from kill shelters in the South to no-kill shelters in the Northeast.
Kindred Hearts Transport Connection
Kindred Hearts assists rescues and individuals with free animal transport services, including for military families and those facing financial hardship.
Operation Roger
A network of truck drivers provides affordable pet transport.
Main Transport Areas: Nationwide
Pets on Board Transport
This service offers nationwide private and long-distance pet transport using specially outfitted motorhomes.
Main Transport Areas: Nationally
Pilots to the Rescue
This organization uses trained pilots and ground teams to transport animals facing euthanasia to their forever homes.
Main Transport Areas: Nationally
Rescue Express
A free service for rescue groups, transporting animals twice a month from high-kill areas to locations with adoptive families.
Main Transport Areas: California, Oregon, Washington, and Western Canada
Contact: (541) 525-3232
Wings of Rescue
Wings of Rescue uses a network of pilots and ground volunteers to transport animals to safety.
Main Transport Areas: West Coast, including California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Canada
Local California Independent Transporters
Royce Bordes / Angels n’ Paws: SoCal to WA/British Columbia border | (909) 743-4656
Debie Brown: Up to 150 miles from Los Angeles shelters | (310) 528-6255
Breed-Specific Transport Services
Basenji Rescue and Transport: Nationally and Canada
Heart Bandits Eskie Railroad: Nationwide network for Eskies
Professional Paid Transport Services
Pet Relocation: Corporate and military pet relocation, globally.
UShip: Pet shippers offer quotes for national and international transport.
We Move Pets: Family-owned pet transport company operating in select states.
World Pet Travel: Specializes in transporting pets across the globe.
How to Support Transfer Partners
Adopt from Participating Shelters: By adopting pets transported by these organizations, you help free up space and save more lives.
Donate: Most of these organizations rely on donations to cover transport costs, fuel, and medical care for animals.
Volunteer: Many groups need pilots, drivers, or coordinators to assist with logistics. Check their websites for volunteer opportunities.
Spread the Word: Share these organizations’ missions on social media or in your community to raise awareness.
The work of transfer partners is a vital part of the animal rescue world, offering displaced pets a lifeline to a better future. Whether it's through airlifts, road trips, or other creative transportation methods, these organizations are helping to save thousands of lives. With your support—whether through adoption, donations, or advocacy—you can help make sure that more pets get the second chance they deserve.
