Canadian Airlines Are Breaking The Rules To Fly Pets And Their Families To Safety

The residents of Fort McMurray have lost just about everything because of the unpredictable wildfires in the northeastern part of Alberta, Canada.

They fled their homes and jobs…some even had to leave their precious pets behind. But that doesn’t mean their fates were sealed. On the contrary, rescue organizations in the region have banded together to rescue as many pets from abandoned homes as possible. While hundreds of pets — from dogs to hamsters — have found temporary residence in shelters where they have large hamster cages and spacious kettles for cats and dogs.

The fire is still moving on and that means everyone up north, including the rescued pets, are in danger.

That’s where amazing airlines are stepping in to help.

Thx for all the kudos everyone. Happy to help move 2 & 4 legged pax from #ymm. Our FA Heidi shared this pic on FB 🙂 pic.twitter.com/IBChAWzMba

— Canadian North ✈ (@CanadianNorth) May 6, 2016

Companies like WestJet, Suncor Energy, and Canadian North are running evacuation flights from Fort McMurray to southern parts of Canada.

While normally, there’d be a limit on the number of pets allowed on flights — and restrictions on how they’re transported — the flight crews are forgoing the rules.

Truest of generosities. Evacuees from #ymmfire with their pets on board @WestJet. U R my fav airline. #ab #yeg pic.twitter.com/GAAdoggGk2

— Lori D Simon (@ThePublicEye) May 6, 2016

Dogs, cats, turtles…they’ve been flying in coach along with everyone else in an effort to evacuate as many pets as possible on each flight.

Smallest @CanadianNorth PAX yet:)#ymmfire #evacuated #FortMacFire @CBCEdmonton @CBCNews pic.twitter.com/P3fIiMjwpJ

— CarmenCampbell✈ (@mum2boyz) May 7, 2016

Passengers have been happy to share the plane with a few furry seat-mates. Everyone is well aware that they’re just looking to find a safe haven, too.

Some are able to bring their own pets aboard, while other animals are unaccompanied, hoping to be reunited with their families when they touch down.

What a wonderful way to help out all those in need — from the furry to the spikey!

Pilot flies planeload of Fort McMurray's chinchillas, dogs and hedgehogs to shelter https://t.co/Mr3KJCPQUT #ymmfire pic.twitter.com/UrvVhA3qwY

— Metro News Canada (@MetroNewsCanada) May 10, 2016

(via Huffington Post, Calgary Metro)

If you’d like to do your part, you can contribute to the Calgary Humane Society or the Fort McMurray SPCA. For those who were affected by the wildfires and had to leave their fur babies behind, you can fill out a form notifying authorities.

We’re praying for all those in the Fort McMurray region. Stay safe and we hope everyone is reunited with their loved ones soon!