Local pilot helps animals find their fur-ever homes

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s not every day you see planes packed with dogs, cats and even birds.

Whether it’s from state to state or across the nation, the goal for Pilots and Paws is to fly out animals who are looking to be adopted into their forever home.

They’re taking off to make a difference one flight at a time.

“I was lucky and was able to buy an airplane 10 years ago. And I kind of promised myself when I bought it that I would use it to help out as much as I can,” said pilot Travis Spears.

It’s all through Pilots and Paws, a nonprofit that connects pilots with fosters and animal shelters.

“A lot of them are generally kind of bad conditions. Maybe a kill shelter they’re trying to get them out of, and a foster agrees to take them but they’re not close by,” said Spears.

So, they get the chance to start a new life right in the back seat of his plane.

“I’m a dog person. I’ve got two dogs at home. And actually, one of the dogs we’ve got came from a rescue,” said Spears.

And he’s done two flights in the last three weeks, but he’s done 63 overall.

“One of them was coming from a rescue. But going into a family and Edgefield world is gonna stay forever,” he said.

And sometimes he’ll bring a enger to keep them company.

“One of the flights, my 11-year-old daughter was with me, so she was in the back with the dog playing with the dog. And that was the one we dropped off in Edgefield. So, we went up to Upstate South Carolina, and picked him up. And then we landed in Edgefield County,” said Spears.

It all comes out of their own pocket, but he’s happy to do it every time and doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

“It’s worth it for a lot of pilots. We just love to fly. And if we can help out and fly at the same time, then that’s what we’re gonna do,” he said.

For more information on Pilots and Paws or how you can help animals in our area, visit their website.

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