Assistance dogs continue to fly high thanks to American Airlines

Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and American Airlines are delighted to announce the renewal of the long-running Puppies in Flight (PIF) program. The PIF partnership enables assistance dogs from ADI accredited member programs throughout the US and Canada to fly in the cabin free of charge, accompanied by volunteer American team members. In addition, American has generously donated USD15,000 to ADI to cover the costs of coordinating the program.

“We are incredibly grateful to American for their continued support to the PIF program,” said Barrie Madasu, Volunteer Service Manager at the Guide Dog Foundation, who coordinates PIF on behalf of ADI. “It is a huge privilege for our members to be able to fly their dogs whenever and wherever they are needed most. Our work would be much more difficult if it were not for the tireless efforts of the American volunteers who fly with our dogs in their own time.”

Now in its 24th year, PIF started as an opportunity for puppies training to be guide dogs to become accustomed to travelling in an airplane, but it has now expanded to include adult assistance dogs. “They could be dogs who are part of our breeding cooperative, going to a puppy raiser, a retired dog going to its new home, going to or from training, or an assistance dog flying to meet its new handler. It’s very flexible, and that’s what is great about it,” said Barrie. “It’s a wonderful relationship, and I hope it continues forever!”

Around 200 American team members currently volunteer for PIF, including flight crew, airport team members and management and support staff. They receive training from their local ADI accredited member program and use their employee flight benefits on their days off to be on standby to fly with a dog anywhere in the US and Canada. Numbers are gradually moving back to pre-pandemic levels, when dogs travelled on around 200 flights a year. So far this year, 70 dogs have taken to the skies as part of the PIF program.

“We are excited to continue supporting ADI and its members in the life-changing work they do,” said Katy Phillips, American’s Community Relations and Corporate Giving Manager. “Over the years, our volunteers have helped thousands of assistance dogs travel to their new homes, and we are so proud to be a part of their journeys.”

“I cannot say ‘thank you’ enough to American Airlines,” said ADI Executive Director Chris Diefenthaler. “We are incredibly proud of our partnership, which means we can serve more people with disabilities all over North America and support our member programs with breeding and training.”