The Norman Animal Welfare team is teaming up with a unique partner to give shelter animals a second chance. This week, Dog Is My CoPilot, a non-profit organization, helped transport 74 dogs and cats from Norman to adoption centers in Colorado and Oregon.

How It Works

Dog Is My CoPilot specializes in flying animals from overcrowded, high-kill shelters to places where adoption opportunities are much higher. The group uses small planes to transport the animals, ensuring they arrive safely and quickly to their new destinations. This partnership has been a game-changer for Norman's shelter.

Through this collaboration, more than 1,000 animals from the Norman Animal Welfare shelter have already found new homes. These are animals that might not have had a chance otherwise due to limited space and resources locally.

A Lifesaving Partnership

The Norman Police Department, which oversees the animal welfare team, shared their gratitude for the ongoing partnership. "We’re incredibly proud of our Animal Welfare team for the care and hard work they put in every day, and grateful for our friends at Dog Is My CoPilot for a partnership that literally takes lifesaving work to the skies," the department said in a statement.

For the 74 animals on this latest flight, the journey represents a fresh start. Once they land, they'll be taken to adoption centers where families are waiting to welcome them into their homes.

Why It Matters

Animal shelters across the country, including here in Oklahoma, often face overcrowding. This can lead to tough decisions about which animals can stay and which might not make it. Programs like this one offer a critical solution, giving animals in high-risk shelters a chance to find loving families.

Folks in Norman have been supportive of these efforts, and many are happy to see their local shelter working hard to save lives. "It’s heartwarming to know these animals are getting a chance," said Mary Jenkins, a Norman resident and pet owner. "Every pet deserves a home."

What’s Next

Dog Is My CoPilot plans to continue working with shelters like Norman Animal Welfare to expand their reach. Each flight is a carefully coordinated effort, relying on volunteers and donations to make it happen. If you’d like to support their mission, you can visit their website to learn more about how to help.

For now, the 74 furry passengers are settling into their new surroundings, waiting to meet the families who will take them home. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when folks come together for a good cause.