Saskatchewan’s Volunteer Pilot Helping Animals Reach Safety for over a decade

When animals in northern Saskatchewan need urgent transport to rescue, veterinary care, or adoptive homes, geography can quickly become one of the biggest barriers standing in the way.

Long driving distances, remote communities, and limited transportation options often make moving animals safely a major challenge for rescues operating in the province.

That is where our volunteer pilot Paul Ricklefs steps in.

Based in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, Paul is currently the province’s only volunteer pilot flying with Canadian Wings of Rescue, helping transport animals from northern communities to rescues and care providers further south.

Recently, Paul shared his experience and passion for rescue flying in an interview with CBC Saskatchewan’s The Morning Edition. Listen to the interview here: CBC Saskatchewan Morning Edition Interview with Paul Ricklefs

Helping Bridge Vast Distances
Paul has been supporting animal rescue efforts in Saskatchewan for more than a decade, transporting dogs from northern communities to southern rescues where they can access veterinary care, foster homes, and adoption opportunities.
A private pilot since 2012 and commercially rated since 2020, Paul has logged approximately 5,000 flight hours through his work in aviation, business operations, and search and rescue. For Paul, volunteering combines flying with the opportunity to directly help animals in need.

“For me, flying is a regular part of life, whether it’s for my business, search and rescue, or helping animals,” Paul said. “Working with Canadian Wings of Rescue has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a professional, organized operation, and it shows how pilots can use their skills to directly help animals reach safety.”

One transport Paul particularly remembers involved flying dogs from Flin Flon to Yorkton — another example of how aviation can dramatically reduce the time, stress, and logistical challenges involved in long-distance rescue transport.

Why Flights Matter in Saskatchewan
Northern Saskatchewan presents unique challenges for animal welfare organizations.
Communities are often separated by hundreds of kilometres, and ground transport can take an entire day or longer depending on road conditions, weather, and volunteer availability. For many rescues, transportation becomes one of the most difficult parts of saving animals.

Canadian Wings of Rescue currently works alongside Saskatchewan rescue partners including Northern Animal Rescue, The Northern Pup Project, and Prairies Sphynx Rescue. These organizations provide critical frontline care, but reliable transport remains essential to helping animals move into safe placements.

Flights can mean animals receive care faster, rescues can relieve overcrowding sooner, and adoptive opportunities become possible that otherwise may not exist.

A Call for More Volunteer Pilots
While individual flights make a huge difference, the need across Saskatchewan continues to grow.
Right now, Paul is the only Saskatchewan-based volunteer pilot flying with Canadian Wings of Rescue — and we would love to change that.

Volunteer pilots donate their time, aircraft, fuel, and expertise to help transport animals safely and efficiently across long distances. Additional pilots in Saskatchewan could help expand access to rescue transportation throughout the province, particularly in northern and remote communities.

Thank You to Paul for his years of dedication, generosity, and compassion. His willingness to volunteer his aircraft and expertise continues to make a meaningful difference for animals and rescues across Saskatchewan.