Give a Rescue Pet a Lift—Literally.
What Is Tailwinds Animal Flights?
Tailwinds is a volunteer-powered flight companion program that helps rescue animals find loving homes on the mainland. We connect travelers flying in or out of Hawaiʻi with pets in need of a ride to a better future.
From coordinating transport and paperwork to supplying crates and handling drop-off/pick-up—we take care of everything. All volunteers have to do is show up for their flight and escort a furry friend on their journey to a new life.
Why It Matters
Hawaiʻi’s animal shelters are overflowing—especially in the wake of the Lahaina Fire. Local rescues are doing all they can, but limited space and resources make it hard to keep up.
By flying animals to the mainland where shelters are less crowded and adoptions more frequent, we give these pets a second chance at life. Every open kennel here means another life saved.
How It Works
- Sign Up – Use our calendar to share your flight info (Hawaiʻi to mainland).
- Get Matched – We’ll match you with a rescue pet that needs a ride to safety—based on your route and airline.
- We Prep Everything – We provide the crate, paperwork, and logistics—plus airport pickup and drop-off on both ends.
- You Fly—They Ride – Just check in, escort the animal as your carry-on or checked pet, and hand them off to their new life.
No Extra Cost. Just Extra Compassion.
There’s zero cost to volunteers—Little Yellow Plane covers all travel fees, crate supplies, and veterinary paperwork. You simply offer a seat on your flight and a bit of heart.
Want to Help But Not Flying?
We also need help with:
- Foster homes before/after flights
- Airport pickups and drop-offs
- Donations to fund flight fees, crates, and vet care
Every Flight Saves a Life
Each successful journey opens a space in a shelter, gives an animal a future, and proves how powerful simple acts of kindness can be.