Introduction

Being a flight volunteer for street dogs is one of the most rewarding ways you can help dogs in need. In countries like Thailand, there are countless street dogs waiting for their forever homes in places like the UK, the USA, and beyond. However, transporting these dogs can be costly and complicated, which is where flight volunteers—or "flight angels"—come in. If you're passionate about helping animals, becoming a flight volunteer might just be the perfect way to give back. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about being a flight volunteer and how you can help these dogs reach their new homes.

Why Street Dogs in Thailand Need Flight Volunteers

Thailand is home to a large population of street dogs, many of whom face tough conditions, from lack of food and medical care to extreme weather and road dangers. While many rescue organizations work tirelessly to care for these dogs, getting them adopted into loving homes overseas is the best chance for a better life.

However, transporting street dogs from Thailand to the USA, Europe and other countries requires logistics and funding. Most importantly, dogs need a person to escort them on their flight, and that’s where flight volunteers step in. Without volunteers, many dogs would face a longer wait before they can be united with their new families.

Which Airports Can You Fly Dogs Into From Thailand?

At the moment, we can fly dogs to most airports within the EU as well as to 6 airports in the US.

In the US, Thailand is classified by the CDC as a "high-risk"country for rabies. Therefore, all dogs arriving to the US from a high-risk rabies country must fly into one of these 6 approved airports:

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
• Miami International Airport (MIA)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD)

We are also able to fly dogs to other countries on a case-by-case basis depending on their import regulations. For example, Billy is one of our Happy Doggos who was adopted to Singapore.

The UK does not allow dogs to enter directly, so if dogs are adopted to the UK, they will have to travel to the EU (typically Paris) and then enter the UK overland.

What Does a Flight Volunteer Do?

As a flight volunteer, your role is to accompany the dogs on their journey to their adoptive families. The rescue organization arranges everything: they book the dogs' tickets, prepare all necessary paperwork, and ensure the dogs are healthy and ready to fly.

All you need to do is allow the dogs to be added to your flight reservation, check them in at the airport, and finally, pick them up at your destination airport and clear customs with them.

Here’s a typical process of what happens:

• Meet the Rescue Team: Before your flight, you’ll meet with the rescue organization who will guide you through the process. They’ll provide all the documents and instructions you need.
• Check-in: At the airport, you’ll check the dogs in at the cargo area, where airline staff will ensure the dogs are securely loaded.
• Flying with Dogs: You won’t need to sit with the dogs! They’ll travel in a special section of the plane designed for animal transport. The airline staff may also be able to check on the dog during the flight and give you updates on how the dog is doing.
• Arrival: Upon landing, you will pick the dog up and get the dog through custom. When you have cleared customs, you’ll meet the adoptive family or another representative at the arrivals area, who will take over from there.

How to Become a Flight Volunteer for Dog Rescue

Becoming a flight volunteer is easier than you might think. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Connect with Rescue Organizations: If you have a flight out of Bangkok or Phuket airport, fill in our flight volunteer form! We will also regularly post calls for flight volunteers on our Instagram. If we have dogs going to your destination, we’ll work hard to get their paperwork in order in time to make your flight!
2. Paperwork and Logistics: We will handle all the necessary paperwork, including pet travel documentation, vaccinations, and booking the dogs’ flights under your ticket.
3. Airport Day: On the day of your flight, simply meet the Happy Doggo team at the airport a few hours early to get the dogs checked in and prepped for travel.

The Impact You’re Making as a Flight Volunteer

As a flight volunteer, you're not just escorting a dog — you're giving them a chance at a new life. Many street dogs in Thailand live in difficult conditions, and by helping them reach their forever homes, you're providing them with the opportunity to thrive in a safe, loving environment. These dogs often travel to families who have been waiting patiently for months or even years to welcome them into their homes. By playing a small part in their journey, you're helping to complete the story of a dog’s rescue and adoption.

Stories from Real Flight Volunteers

Jade is the mother of Eve, a dog she adopted through us at Happy Doggo.

Here’s what Jade had to say about her experience being a flight volunteer for Toffee, a dog from Happy Doggo who is now living with her family in Scotland

We were flight volunteers for Toffee in June 2024. We were adopting Eve and decided to fly out to Koh Samui to bring her home. While there, Toffee’s flight fell through so we were asked if we could help get her to her forever family. We of course jumped at the chance of helping another little pooch

The whole process was incredibly easy. Zoe at Happy Doggo prepared all of the relevant paperwork and booked Toffee onto our flight

We met Eve and Toffee at Bangkok Airport. The charity that had been completing their final checks to fly drove them to the airport to meet us

We booked onto our flight while the charity booked Eve and Toffee in alongside us. The charity sorted all of the paperwork at the airport and then we all went to see the dogs off for their flight.

Once we landed in Paris, collection of Eve and Toffee was quick and easy and we made the journey back to the UK. Toffee’s lovely family met us at our home. Seeing Toffee meet her new family was incredibly emotional, her little tail wouldn't stop wagging.

I can honestly say being a flight volunteer was very rewarding and we would do it again in a heartbeat. Happy Doggo did all of the hard work and we just got to do the best bit by seeing Eve and Toffee arrive to their new lives ❤️

Conclusion

Becoming a flight volunteer is a fulfilling and impactful way to help street dogs find their forever homes. It’s a simple way to make a big difference in the lives of both the dogs and the families who are waiting for them. If you’re traveling from Thailand to the USA, Europe, or another destination that one of our adopted dogs is headed to, consider becoming a flight volunteer and help these dogs complete their journey to their new homes.

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