Planes for Puppies!

The pandemic has impacted our ability to safely transport puppies and dogs to and from our California and Oregon campuses. We are grateful to Alaska Airlines for helping us transport our canine heroes. However, many other airlines have discontinued flying dogs in the cargo areas, and limited space in our puppy truck makes it difficult for employees to social distance from one another. 

What we need

Our Puppy Raising, Client Services, and Training departments need adult dogs, and puppies, transported to several different states. Most puppies requiring transport to our campuses are in Texas or New Mexico, but there are also dogs in Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Client Services and Training have needs that cover more states including on the East Coast.

Why do we need this help?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) is not able to safely utilize our usual methods of dog transportation. Most airlines have discontinued flying dogs in the cargo areas, and those that are continuing have not been reliable in terms of their flight schedules or the aircraft being used. Our puppy trucks do not allow for social distancing between drivers, and the Department of Transportation regulations require a minimum of two drivers.

When do we need help?

Our Puppy Raising department needs assistance transporting dogs as soon as possible, and over the next several months they could have the need for multiple trips, depending on the number of dogs traveling at one time. Our Client Services and Training departments have more ad hoc needs.

How to help

Contact us with your ideas to help. If you or someone you know has a private airplane, or if you can help with other modes of transportation, please contact Sarah Blevins, CCP Operations and Project Manager at ipuppy@guidedogs.com or call 415.492.4161.

It’s often said that the difference between a good organization and a great organization is the support of its community. Thank you for making GDB great!