About Southwest Animal Transport Team (SWATT)
Southwest Animal Transport Team (SWATT) is a 100% volunteer-driven, service-based independent organization.
SWATT is a Team of Southwest Airlines employees, dependents, retirees and dedicated volunteers who donate their time and nonrev flight benefits to transport rescued pets across the continental United States, Puerto Rico, and the interislands of Hawaii. We support nonprofit organizations in their efforts to protect and advocate for animals in need.
Our volunteer transporters, known as Flight Angels, fly standby and personally escort animals in need, in the cabin of the airplane, to ensure safe, stress-free journeys to their forever homes, rescues, or sanctuaries.
Founded in April 2017, SWATT emerged as a collaborative effort among animal rescues, foster-based nonprofits, shelters, and sanctuaries. We initiated our mission through a partnership with Delta Animal Rescue Transport (DART) and other transportation networks, focusing on saving the lives of small dogs and cats, giving them a second chance at a fulfilling and loving life.
At SWATT, our mission is rooted in compassion. We are committed to supporting the creation of no-kill communities nationwide and helping rescue organizations connect animals with the love and safety they deserve.
SWATT is proud to participate in the Tickets for Time (T4T) program with Southwest Airlines. Every approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization within the SWATT Program is eligible to earn one round-trip domestic travel award (provided as a flight e-pass) for every 20 volunteer hours logged. Each organization may receive up to eight (8) T4T awards each calendar year.
We are very successful at filling Transport Requests with regard to the routes, schedules and choosing the best day and flights for the transport. If you have an urgent situation, we may not be able to accommodate you; however, we address each TR on a case-by-case basis. Flexibility is key to a successful transport.
Compensation is not allowed. All transports are subject to Southwest Airlines' Pet Policies. A Pet Fare is required to be paid to SWA. We are accountable and comply with the Code of Conduct of Southwest Airlines. Rescue organizations must be a 501c3 non profit to be approved with the SWATT program.
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