Since early 2025, Angel Flight West (AFW) have been helping to transport future Service Dogs across the western United States through a partnership with DBL that’s already making a measurable impact.
“Our volunteer pilots love flying these missions, which enable AFW to serve more people in a unique way — ensuring individuals with a variety of challenges receive the support of a service animal,” says Jessica Hayes, Communications Director at AFW.
The partnership has already created heartwarming moments. One puppy, Jigsaw, embarked on a three-leg journey from Montana to Canada. Pilot Scott Warner recalled, “Jigsaw had a full day of flying and snuggles on his three-leg trip.” As a playful tribute to the partnership, DBL even named a puppy “Jet,” celebrating the volunteers who make these flights possible.
For both organizations, the collaboration reflects the power of teamwork in the nonprofit world.
Hayes explains, “Partnering with DBL gives our volunteer pilots the opportunity to use their passion, talents, and resources for good — all while helping transport DBL’s precious canine cargo.”
By combining AFW’s flight network with DBL’s mission of providing life-changing service dogs, the organizations are overcoming transportation barriers and reaching more people than either could alone.
Looking ahead, both DBL and AFW are excited to grow the program, delivering more puppies and Service Dogs to those who rely on them. It’s a partnership that highlights not just the joy of flying, but the profound difference a Service Dog can make in someone’s life.
2025 Flight Volunteer Stats
Total Flights: 21
AFW Flights: 13
Individual Pilot Flights: 8
Total Pilots: 22 some pilots fly multiple flights and some flights take more than one pilot
AFW: 20
Individual: 2
Total Unique Dogs Transported: 23 some dogs are transported multiple times, e.g. to raiser and then to campus)
Total flight time: 57.5 Hours
Miles saved by car: 21,381
Staff hours saved: 333
