We are a group of animal lovers, pilots and volunteers providing air and ground transportation for at-risk animals.

Mission Statement:

PAART is dedicated to providing animals a second chance by transporting them from danger to safety. If an animal is in danger of being euthanized, displaced by a natural disaster, or in an abusive situation, our team is ready to give them a chance at a new beginning. Our trained volunteer pilots and drivers provide a second chance to 1000's of animals in need each year. Through the education of the community, specifically our youth on animal welfare and responsible ownership, PAART can help create change both by our lifesaving work and by imparting the lessons we demonstrate our youth with our rescue missions. Each day thousands of animals wake up not knowing if this will be their last day. PAART's mission is to give them hope.

Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team coordinates and transports thousands of animals to their new homes. Leaving from the Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin, PA, our single-engine Piper Saratoga can fly up to 200 mph and average flights consist of 150 to 300 nautical miles each way, allowing us to serve the areas of Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Akron, Erie, Harrisburg, Charleston, WV, and more. We also connect with other pilots to run legs of much longer flights. Our land operation consists of a massive Ford Transit van, capable of hauling up to 60 animals at a time over 500 miles each direction.

PAART is networked with shelters, pet adoption services, and national transportation organizations who let us know of the need for a pet rescue transport. We act as quickly as we can to get ready for the flight because sometimes timing can mean life and death.

When we are not flying or driving, we are working to coordinate and receive donations of food and animal supplies to fill our empty planes with to drop off at shelters and other rescue centers. Every little bit counts. PAART is also involved in a growing Community Outreach initiative that we began in 2012. Over the last few years PAART has hosted school-aged children at the Allegheny Airport for learning sessions about animal rescue and aviation. Our unique blend of both animals and aviation acts a catalyst to spark the interest in children to inspire them to become more aware of the need for animal protection. Our volunteers are available to speak to the community on ongoing basis.

Even though fuel and plane maintenance is expensive, the Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team does not charge either party for the transportation of the animals. We get our payment by knowing we are helping deserving animals get to their loving homes and look forward to serving many more in the future.

In November of 2013 we received our 501 (c) 3 non-profit status and set out on our goal of raising funds to buy a larger, more fuel efficient plane. A better fleet of aircrafts will enable PAART to expand our reach to include further distances while carrying a greater number of animals and supplies.