Becoming a Flight Volunteer helps save a dog’s life as there is no other way to get our homeless dogs to Vancouver! Interested? Click here for more information or fill out our inquiry form.
We are in urgent need of traveling companions to escort dogs from:
- Amman, Jordan (AMM)
- Bahrain (BAH)
- Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL)
- Puerta Vallarta, Mexico (PVR)
- Seoul (ICN)
- Shanghai (PVG)
- Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV)
- Tehran, Iran (IKA)
To Vancouver (YVR) and Seattle (SEA).
There are no extra costs and no organizing involved as the shelter’s local Airport Coordinator does all the planning and pays all extra fees associated with adding a piece of extra luggage (the dog crate) to your ticket. You simply meet the Airport Coordinator at the terminal at the normal check in time. They will assist with getting you and the dog checked in on your flight. Once you have landed in Vancouver you collect the crate from the Oversize Luggage area and proceed to the agriculture area for a very quick paperwork inspection. Again, all additional fees associated with traveling with the dog are covered by either the overseas shelter or by Loved at Last Dog Rescue. Visit our Happy Tails page to view some of our rescue success stories!
Alternatively, if you are part of an organization with ties to Shanghai, Bahrain, Tehran or S. Korea, then please check out our Corporate Flight Ambassador Program below.
Five Steps To Becoming A Flight Volunteer
The process can be broken down into five simple steps (also available in PDF format):
1. Let our Travel Coordinator know your itinerary at least 10 days in advance
Our Travel Coordinator will complete all paperwork and pay all fees to add the dog & crate as one ‘oversize luggage’ to your ticket. You can contact our Travel Coordinator at rescuetravel.laldr@gmail.com.
2. Meet the Airport Coordinator who will give you the dog’s paperwork & help hand the dog off to airport crew.
On the day of your flight, the shelter’s local Airport Coordinator will bring the dog to the airport and meet you inside the terminal to assist with check in.
3. Board your plane and have a pleasant flight!
4. Upon arrival in Vancouver, pick up the dog at the oversize luggage area & pass though agriculture clearance
- Proceed through Immigration and get your luggage from the baggage carousel as you normally would
- Go to Oversize Luggage Area to get the dog. If you are unable to pick up the crate on your own, please ask for the assistance of a porter. A porter will lift the crate onto a luggage cart for you and guide you to the agriculture inspection area. Porters are a paid service that we will pay for once you are in the main arrivals area.
- At the agriculture desk they will do a brief inspection. You can give the inspector all the dog’s paperwork and let them know that the owners are in the front customs office waiting to pay the $32 inspection fee. Sometimes the inspector will ask you to pay the fee there. If this happens, we will reimburse you with cash when you come out.
5. Meet us in the arrivals area!
Proceed through the exit doors. We will be waiting for you when you come out.
Flight Companion FAQ’s
You are saving a dog’s life! The biggest delay in getting dogs to their homes is due to a lack of Flight Volunteers.
How does it work?
Simple! The dog and crate are added as one piece of Oversize Luggage to your ticket.
How long has LALDR been using Flight Volunteers?
Since 2017 so you can rest assured that our information is accurate and reliable.
How many other Flight Volunteers do this?
In 2019, our Flight Volunteers accompanied over 400 dogs to Vancouver. We have had a total of over 1,500 Flight Volunteers so far.
Does being a Flight Volunteer cost me any money?
No. We pay all fees associated with being a Flight Volunteer.
Do I have to get to the airport earlier than normal?
No. Most airlines recommend being at the airport at least 3 hours ahead of time for an international flight and this is generally plenty of time to meet up with our Airport Coordinator and get the dog.
Do I have to declare anything?
YES! Make sure that you declare that you have a live animal with you! Tick “yes” to the customs question ‘Are you bringing in meats, animals or animal/wildlife products?’.
Once I get to Vancouver, do I have to wait longer for the dogs to be unloaded off the plane?
The dogs are generally unloaded before the luggage so there is not usually any extra wait for them. In other words, you will have your dog before you have your luggage.
How long does it take to get through Agriculture?
The Agriculture inspection can be as fast as 20 minutes but will take longer if there is a line up.
Are the dogs healthy enough to fly?
Yes. Dogs are not allowed to fly internationally unless they have been thoroughly checked by a vet and have a current vet certificate.
Are the dogs’ shots up to date?
Yes. Our dogs come with a passport that identifies the dog’s name, age and lists the shot history including the date the shot was given and what it was for.
Is it safe for the dogs to fly?
Yes. The dog will be in a locked crate and have enough water to last the duration of the flight.
Where do they put the dogs on the plane?
Unless it is a very small dog who can travel in the cabin with you, live animals are placed in a temperature-controlled, air-pressurized area of the plane.
What happens if there is a delay or interruption in my flight?
Airports have ground crews who look after any live animals on the flight. Don’t worry! The dog will be well looked after should there be a delay or interruption in your flight.
What happens if there is a delay at YVR?
You will be provided with the contact phone number for a representative of Loved at Last in Vancouver who will either be at the airport waiting for you and/or available to provide any assistance you may require. If you have any questions, just call!
What else can I do to help?
Ask your friends to become Flight Volunteers and promote becoming a Flight Volunteer on your social media! There is always something you can do to help! Contact us for more info.
Flight Volunteer Testimonials
There are few things as wonderful as seeing a frightened dog come out of her crate and into the arms of a loving, welcoming family. The glow of my first flight volunteer experience lasted for days. I will never forget it.
Andrew H.
Although I was originally hesitant to be a flight volunteer, following my first experience I was hooked. Just seeing the joy in the faces of the new family members as the dogs quickly become more happy and comfortable is all I needed to know that I would be doing this again…and again. And I have. Every new flight is a wonderful experience and I eagerly anticipate my next opportunity to help save the life of another beautiful dog.
Joseph D.