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 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.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and providing grants that support other organizations with their transportation needs. Through our efforts, we help ensure that vital missions — including rescue, relocation, and community service operations — have the resources and mobility required to make a lasting impact.
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 for animal transports is not permitted.
All transports must be conducted through the SWATT program and must comply with Southwest Airlines' Pet Policies and the Southwest Airlines Employee Travel Privilege Policy (ETPP).
A Southwest Airlines Pet Fare must be paid directly to Southwest Airlines at the ticket counter on the day of transport for each carrier.
All participants in the SWATT program are expected to uphold and comply with the Southwest Airlines Code of Conduct and the Employee Travel Privilege Policy (ETPP) while utilizing travel privileges.
Additionally, rescue organizations requesting transport through SWATT must be a verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to be approved as a SWATT Rescue Partner.
Acknowledgment: By participating in a SWATT transport, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to comply with the SWATT Transport Policy, Southwest Airlines Pet Policies, and the Southwest Airlines Employee Travel Privilege Policy (ETPP).
To see some of our cutest PAWsengers, Like, Share, and Follow our journey! SWATT Transport can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Rescuing animals. One flight at a time.
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