THE PROCEDURE

A dog being rescued by airline employees to save furry lives in the skies.

SWATT RESCUE PARTNER APPLICATION & TRANSPORT PROCESS

Animal rescue and foster-based nonprofit organizations, animal shelters, and sanctuaries are invited to apply for the SWATT Program by completing an application available under Rescue Forms.

Once a completed application has been reviewed and approved, SWATT Transport will send an approval notification to the Facebook Messenger chat created for your rescue organization. If you do not see the notification, please check your Message Requests.

Before requesting a transport, please review the SWATT Policy & Procedures and share them with all volunteers who may be involved in transporting. Following these guidelines helps ensure that every transport is organized, safe, and as stress-free as possible for the rescued animal, Flight Angel, and rescue organization.

REQUESTING A TRANSPORT

A Transport Request (TR) Form must be completed to initiate each transport request.

Once the request has been reviewed and approved, SWATT will post a call for transport to our Flight Angels.

Please plan accordingly:

It may take up to 5 days for a Transport Request to be posted.
It may take up to 2 weeks to fill a Transport Request.

Submitting a request does not guarantee that a Flight Angel will be available. Timing may vary based on route, dates, flight availability, and volunteer participation.

WHEN A SWATT FLIGHT ANGEL IS FOUND

When a Flight Angel is available for the requested transport, a designated SWATT Transport Coordinator will present the transport offer to the rescue organization.

Once the offer is accepted, a Facebook Messenger Group Chat will be created connecting:

The rescue organization
The assigned Flight Angel
The SWATT Transport Coordinator

This group chat serves as the official communication channel for the transport and helps ensure that everyone involved has access to the same information and updates.

All transport-related communication should remain within the designated group chat and should be limited to information pertinent to the transport.

Do not contact a Flight Angel directly outside of the designated SWATT Group Chat regarding the transport. Bypassing the designated communication process may result in removal from the SWATT Program.

DAY-OF-TRANSPORT PROCEDURES

The procedures below outline the required steps for the day of transport and help ensure a smooth, safe, and successful experience for everyone involved.

DAY-OF-TRANSPORT PROCEDURES

1. Meet the Flight Angel

The Flight Angel and the rescue organization’s designated drop-off person must meet inside the airport at the Southwest Ticket Counter two (2) hours before the scheduled departure time.

Please allow ample time for parking and getting into the terminal so you arrive at the meeting location on time.

2. Maintain Communication

Once a Flight Angel is assigned and the rescue organization accepts the transport offer, a Facebook Messenger Group Chat will be created for the rescue organization, Flight Angel, and designated SWATT Transport Coordinator.

This Group Chat is the official communication channel for the transport and ensures that everyone involved receives the same information and updates.

All communication should be limited to information pertinent to the transport.

3. Remain Available Until Departure

The designated drop-off person must remain available until the Flight Angel has successfully boarded the aircraft in case the transport is delayed, changed, or canceled.

4. Proceed Through Security

The Flight Angel will proceed through airport security with the animal.

Private screenings are required for all feline transports.
All animals must be removed from their carriers during the security screening.
The empty carrier will be sent through the X-ray machine separately.
The Flight Angel is responsible for following all TSA and airport security procedures.

5. Proceed to the Gate

The Flight Angel and animal should proceed to the assigned gate no later than one (1) hour before the scheduled departure time.

6. Boarding Notification

Once the Flight Angel has been cleared to board the aircraft, they will provide an update in the Facebook Group Chat.

7. Monitor the Transport

The designated pick-up person should closely monitor the Facebook Group Chat for all transport-related notifications.

The pick-up person should also monitor the flight status, as arrival times are subject to change.

8. Arrival & Pick-Up

The designated pick-up person should arrive at the airport with sufficient time to enter the terminal to the prearranged meeting location.

After landing, the Flight Angel will provide an arrival notification in the Facebook Group Chat and proceed to the prearranged meeting location inside the terminal.

The Flight Angel will release the animal to the designated pick-up person once they meet at the agreed-upon location.

📸 SHARE THE LUV!

SWATT LUVs documenting the journeys of our pawssengers and sharing their stories on social media and our website!

Please share photographs and special moments from the transport in the Facebook Group Chat so SWATT can celebrate their journey and help showcase the impact of rescue transport. ❤️✈️

TIPS FOR TRAVEL

Before the Day of Transport

Refer to the Supply List to ensure all necessary travel items are prepared.
Begin carrier training several days before transport to help the animal become comfortable with the carrier and adjust to being in a confined space.
Place a small blanket or towel with a familiar scent inside the carrier to provide comfort during travel.
If recommended by the animal’s veterinarian, calming chews or medication may be used.
Never introduce a new calming product or sedative for the first time on the day of transport. If a veterinarian recommends medication, follow their instructions regarding timing and dosage and monitor the animal for any adverse reactions beforehand.
Share any special instructions, behavioral information, medical information, or other pertinent details about the animal in the Facebook Group Chat.

The Night Before / Day Before Transport

Withhold food according to the animal’s veterinarian’s or rescue organization’s instructions. For early-morning departures, food should generally be withheld after 11:00 P.M. the night before, unless otherwise directed.
Follow veterinary guidance regarding water intake. Do not unnecessarily restrict water unless specifically instructed to do so.
Confirm the drop-off/pick-up meeting location in the Facebook Group Chat.
Review the Supply List and make sure everything needed for travel is ready.
Confirm that all required transport information and instructions have been communicated in the Facebook Group Chat.

Day of Transport

If traveling a long distance to the airport, allow time for a potty break before arriving at the terminal.
Allow plenty of time for parking and getting into the terminal. The rescue organization’s designated drop-off person should meet the Flight Angel inside the airport at the Southwest Ticket Counter two (2) hours before scheduled departure.
Make sure the animal is secure in its carrier before entering the terminal.
Bring all required supplies and documentation.

• • Take photos! We LUV documenting our pawssengers’ journeys. Please share photos in the Facebook Group Chat so SWATT can celebrate their journey. ❤️✈️