If you’ve been with us since the early days when our charity launched in 2013, you’ve watched our organization grow, shift, and take on new wings. But the heart of our work remains exactly the same as it did all those years ago: helping animals...
Mission at a GlanceVolunteer pilot Rob A. and his son, Thomas, set out to fly 10 stray cats and kittens from Fort St. John to Victoria, B.C. for our partners Northern Peace Forgotten Felines and VOKRA. Each of these lucky felines had adoptive families waiting...
On a warm fall morning in Stratford, Ontario (CYSA), a small but mighty team from Canadian Wings of Rescue joined organizations, academics, first-responders and pilots at Air Bridge 2025, Ontario’s first general aviation emergency response exercise. As a registered charity powered 100% by volunteers, CWOR was proud to...
What does it take to fly a clowder of cats in a small aircraft? This summer, two of our volunteer pilots found out!This summer, Canadian Wings of Rescue completed two back-to-back missions from northern B.C., transporting an incredible 26 cats to shelters in B.C.’s Lower...
At Canadian Wings of Rescue (CWoR), it takes more than a plane to make a flight happen. It takes planning, coordination, and a whole lot of heart. Here's a look at how one of our transports unfolded — from start to safe landing — showing...
At Canadian Wings of Rescue (CWoR), every rescue is a team effort. Time and again, our transports show just how far people will go to help an animal in need.This spring, a badly injured bald eagle near Thunder Bay, Ontario became the center of an...
At Canadian Wings of Rescue, we’re powered by passion – the passion of our incredible volunteers who dedicate their times, skills, and even their personal aircraft to saving animal lives. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on one such remarkable individual: Amy Johnson, a...
At Canadian Wings of Rescue, every animal’s journey is a testament to hope, resilience, and the power of passional people coming together. Griswold—affectionately known as Grizzy—is one such story that has warmed our hearts and reminded us why we do what we do. Grizzy’s adventure...
Winter flying in small planes can be unpredictable. Fast-changing weather, shifting plans, and the need for quick decision-making.
That’s exactly what unfolded during Koda’s recent transport.
When @A_tail_to_tell reached out to get Koda, a 5-month-old husky/retriever mix, from Manitoba to B.C., we knew this would have to be a relay flight.
Our Canadian Wings of Rescue volunteer pilots, @Bradreid_btc, @btown.jd.bowen, and b.stib, stepped up. A special shout out to @cessna_ag_pilot95, who also originally volunteered — your willingness still made a difference.
The plan was simple: Bastien to Benton, Benton to Brad, and Brad to Koda’s new adoptive family.
But as conditions shifted, so did the plan. Benton traded his wings for wheels, driving Koda from Bastien’s landing point to Brad’s takeoff point. Bastien even found a friend to safely overnight foster Koda until the next morning. And Brad carried out the final leg, bringing this sweet boy home to his new family.
We could never have anticipated such flexibility, teamwork, and heart. This transport is a perfect example of the dedication and selflessness behind every animal we fly.
Winter flying in small planes can be unpredictable. Fast-changing weather, shifting plans, and the need for quick decision-making.
That’s exactly what unfolded during Koda’s recent transport.
When @A_tail_to_tell reached out to get Koda, a 5-month-old husky/retriever mix, from Manitoba to B.C., we knew this would have to be a relay flight.
Our Canadian Wings of Rescue volunteer pilots, @Bradreid_btc, @btown.jd.bowen, and b.stib, stepped up. A special shout out to @cessna_ag_pilot95, who also originally volunteered — your willingness still made a difference.
The plan was simple: Bastien to Benton, Benton to Brad, and Brad to Koda’s new adoptive family.
But as conditions shifted, so did the plan. Benton traded his wings for wheels, driving Koda from Bastien’s landing point to Brad’s takeoff point. Bastien even found a friend to safely overnight foster Koda until the next morning. And Brad carried out the final leg, bringing this sweet boy home to his new family.
We could never have anticipated such flexibility, teamwork, and heart. This transport is a perfect example of the dedication and selflessness behind every animal we fly.
Our first transport partnership with Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary(@woodlandswildlifesanctuary) was a special one - rescuing our very first Sandhill crane!
We received an urgent request about an orphaned crane colt stranded near Saganok Rez, north of Manitoulin Island. These young birds require constant parental care throughout their first year, making this a time-sensitive rescue. The remote location would have meant an extremely long ground transport, putting additional stress on an already vulnerable bird.
Volunteer pilot Kai Salvini(@kai.salvini) and Keirsten immediately mobilized, transforming what would have been an arduous road journey into a swift aerial rescue. The young crane handled the flight remarkably well and has now begun her rehabilitation journey at the sanctuary.
Huge gratitude to Kai and Keirsten for their swift response, Allen from Saganok Rez for the initial rescue efforts, and Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary for taking on this bird`s rehabilitation.
Our first transport partnership with Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary(@woodlandswildlifesanctuary) was a special one - rescuing our very first Sandhill crane!
We received an urgent request about an orphaned crane colt stranded near Saganok Rez, north of Manitoulin Island. These young birds require constant parental care throughout their first year, making this a time-sensitive rescue. The remote location would have meant an extremely long ground transport, putting additional stress on an already vulnerable bird.
Volunteer pilot Kai Salvini(@kai.salvini) and Keirsten immediately mobilized, transforming what would have been an arduous road journey into a swift aerial rescue. The young crane handled the flight remarkably well and has now begun her rehabilitation journey at the sanctuary.
Huge gratitude to Kai and Keirsten for their swift response, Allen from Saganok Rez for the initial rescue efforts, and Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary for taking on this bird`s rehabilitation.
Bento, a sweet rescue kitten, made his journey to Vernon, BC, where he was lovingly welcomed by his new dad, Wayne, right at the airport.
Before takeoff, Bento’s amazing fosters braved the rain to meet our first-time volunteer pilot, @cam_rides_bikes and send him off with lots of love. ☔
Big thanks to Ginger, a longtime @wetnosesrescue volunteer, and @cam_rides_bikes for helping little Bento find his forever home!
Happy new beginnings, Bento! 🐱
Bento, a sweet rescue kitten, made his journey to Vernon, BC, where he was lovingly welcomed by his new dad, Wayne, right at the airport.
Before takeoff, Bento’s amazing fosters braved the rain to meet our first-time volunteer pilot, @cam_rides_bikes and send him off with lots of love. ☔
Big thanks to Ginger, a longtime @wetnosesrescue volunteer, and @cam_rides_bikes for helping little Bento find his forever home!
Happy new beginnings, Bento! 🐱
Maple, a sweet Golden Retriever made it safely to her foster family in Northern Ontario!
Our pilot Gerd W. flew this sweet golden retriever to her new foster home through @GoldenRescue.
Before the flight, there are a lot of important details to cover such as crate size, how Maple would be secured, and weight to make sure everything would fit properly in the aircraft.
These might sound like small details, but these discussions are crucial for rescues like this.
They`re what keep every animal safe and more importantly comfortable during transport.
Thanks to Gerd for getting Maple there safely, and to Golden Rescue for trusting us with her!
Maple, a sweet Golden Retriever made it safely to her foster family in Northern Ontario!
Our pilot Gerd W. flew this sweet golden retriever to her new foster home through @GoldenRescue.
Before the flight, there are a lot of important details to cover such as crate size, how Maple would be secured, and weight to make sure everything would fit properly in the aircraft.
These might sound like small details, but these discussions are crucial for rescues like this.
They`re what keep every animal safe and more importantly comfortable during transport.
Thanks to Gerd for getting Maple there safely, and to Golden Rescue for trusting us with her!
When plans shift, our pilots set the course.
Volunteer pilot @Adriaanse.Rob and his son, Thomas, set out to fly 10 stray cats and kittens from Fort St. John to Victoria, B.C., for our partners @Np_forgottenfelinessociety and @VOKRA.
Each of these lucky felines had new families waiting for their arrival in Victoria.
After a planned fuel stop in Quesnel, tightening weather over the Coast Mountains made the original route unsafe.
Exercising his judgment as pilot in command, Rob made the call to divert to Lillooet. There, he connected with a helpful fellow aviator who lent him a vehicle to drive the cats to Victoria the same day, where they were safely delivered to VOKRA. A local first responder also made quick friends with one of the kittens!
The kindness of animal lovers knows no end. We can’t thank the individuals on the ground in Lillooet enough for helping Rob, Thomas, and almost a dozen cats get where they needed to go.
Pilots are in charge of their transports: they decide when to launch, divert, or stand down.
Rob’s above-and-beyond choice to complete the mission by road was incredibly generous.
Visit our blog for a full behind the scenes look at this transport.
When plans shift, our pilots set the course.
Volunteer pilot @Adriaanse.Rob and his son, Thomas, set out to fly 10 stray cats and kittens from Fort St. John to Victoria, B.C., for our partners @Np_forgottenfelinessociety and @VOKRA.
Each of these lucky felines had new families waiting for their arrival in Victoria.
After a planned fuel stop in Quesnel, tightening weather over the Coast Mountains made the original route unsafe.
Exercising his judgment as pilot in command, Rob made the call to divert to Lillooet. There, he connected with a helpful fellow aviator who lent him a vehicle to drive the cats to Victoria the same day, where they were safely delivered to VOKRA. A local first responder also made quick friends with one of the kittens!
The kindness of animal lovers knows no end. We can’t thank the individuals on the ground in Lillooet enough for helping Rob, Thomas, and almost a dozen cats get where they needed to go.
Pilots are in charge of their transports: they decide when to launch, divert, or stand down.
Rob’s above-and-beyond choice to complete the mission by road was incredibly generous.
Visit our blog for a full behind the scenes look at this transport.
We`re thrilled to share that 5 precious pups just landed safely in Calgary!
Meet Goldie (proud mama dog) and her adorable crew - Theodore, Barkley, Hershey, and Ivy - who just took the flight of their lives from Virden, MB to Calgary, AB, thanks to some incredible heroes!
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing pilot Amy J (@cessna_ag_pilot95) and Archie J for giving this sweet family a second chance.
We`re also so grateful to @calgaryanimalrescue for opening their hearts and doors to welcome this beautiful family. It takes a village, and we`re honored to be part of this life-saving journey!
Do you know someone looking to add a furry family member?
We`re thrilled to share that 5 precious pups just landed safely in Calgary!
Meet Goldie (proud mama dog) and her adorable crew - Theodore, Barkley, Hershey, and Ivy - who just took the flight of their lives from Virden, MB to Calgary, AB, thanks to some incredible heroes!
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing pilot Amy J (@cessna_ag_pilot95) and Archie J for giving this sweet family a second chance.
We`re also so grateful to @calgaryanimalrescue for opening their hearts and doors to welcome this beautiful family. It takes a village, and we`re honored to be part of this life-saving journey!
Do you know someone looking to add a furry family member?
Trick or treat!
We asked some of our former rescue passengers to send us their Halloween pics, and they delivered!
Check out these cuties who flew with us to their forever homes:
• Moswa the Bouvier des Flandres looking majestic (photo: Alec Herdy)
• Zara those ears! 😍 (photo: @einsteinandzarathebassets)
• Cub being absolutely adorable
Nothing scary about them finding their perfect families! These pups went from needing homes to living their dreams.
Wishing everyone a fun Halloween from Canadian Wings of Rescue! 🐾✈️
P.S. - Thanks to the families for sharing these photos with us. You made our day! 🧡
Trick or treat!
We asked some of our former rescue passengers to send us their Halloween pics, and they delivered!
Check out these cuties who flew with us to their forever homes:
• Moswa the Bouvier des Flandres looking majestic (photo: Alec Herdy)
• Zara those ears! 😍 (photo: @einsteinandzarathebassets)
• Cub being absolutely adorable
Nothing scary about them finding their perfect families! These pups went from needing homes to living their dreams.
Wishing everyone a fun Halloween from Canadian Wings of Rescue! 🐾✈️
P.S. - Thanks to the families for sharing these photos with us. You made our day! 🧡
Look at this adorable 2-year-old golden retriever having a fresh start!
Our volunteer pilots @kai.salvini and @paul.salvini flew over 800 km to bring him to Simba to his foster family through @GoldenRescue.
Golden retrievers are incredible companions because they`re so loyal, loving, and full of energy. They thrive with daily exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of time with their people. With a 10-15 year lifespan, they`re a wonderful long-term addition to families who have the time and space to let them shine.
That`s why working with rescues like Golden Rescue is so valuable. They make sure each dog finds the right match as a family.
Thanks to Kai and Paul for making the flight, and to Golden Rescue for their dedication to every dog in their care.
Look at this adorable 2-year-old golden retriever having a fresh start!
Our volunteer pilots @kai.salvini and @paul.salvini flew over 800 km to bring him to Simba to his foster family through @GoldenRescue.
Golden retrievers are incredible companions because they`re so loyal, loving, and full of energy. They thrive with daily exercise, mental stimulation, and plenty of time with their people. With a 10-15 year lifespan, they`re a wonderful long-term addition to families who have the time and space to let them shine.
That`s why working with rescues like Golden Rescue is so valuable. They make sure each dog finds the right match as a family.
Thanks to Kai and Paul for making the flight, and to Golden Rescue for their dedication to every dog in their care.
