BECOME A
FLIGHT ANGEL.
So you want to be a Flight Angel? We have prepared a guide to help you understand what to expect from this role. It will not answer every question you have regarding every situation. But we want you to have as much comfort and clarity as possible in advance of volunteering to be a Flight Angel.
THE BALAM FOUNDATION is dedicated to ending animal suffering in Mexico's most impoverished communities. By offering free sterilization to cats and dogs - as well as providing rescue, TNR, foster care, and adoption - we make a difference for the most vulnerable stray animals.
THE BALAM FOUNDATION TRANSPORTS AND ADOPTS OUT CATS TO FOREVER HOMES IN THE UNITED STATES & CANADA
RULES OF THE POSITION:
While all of the following are discussed in detail in the downloadable pdf,
these are the top expectations to be a Flight Angel:
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You must be good with cats, meaning responsive to their needs
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You must have a cell phone which is operational in the U.S. and/or Canada
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The Balam Foundation will determine if it is in the best interests of the cat(s) to overnight in a hotel enroute to their final destination
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The Balam Foundation, in consultation with you and the Adopter, will book and pay for your flights, your shuttle, and the hotel if necessary
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You will need to pay the cat carrier fee(s), and if necessary, the hotel pet fee. These costs will be reimbursed by the Balam Foundation with presentation of the hard copy receipt of payment. It is your responsibility to pay for any checked baggage
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You must return the cat carrier to the Balam Foundation
Flight Angel FAQs
How do I become aware of a Flight Angel opening?
You will first learn of a Flight Angel need when that match has been approved and a request is sent to the Flight Angel WhatsApp group. The request will include key information such as:
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City where the cats/kittens will need to be delivered
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Expected general or specific timeframe
(e.g. early December or December 6th or 7th) -
How many cats/kittens will be transported and their
names (maybe even photos and a short bio) -
Any special requirements
I have been the one selected to transport our feline friend(s). What now?
You will be contacted by a member of the Balam Foundation team who will be your “co-pilot” for the journey preparation and will connect you with the adopter and book all of your travel (flight, shuttle, hotel if needed) through the foundation.
What is the preparation process for travel like?
First you will receive your supply kit and meet your charges at the San Miguel de Allende sanctuary. Depending on your itinerary, you may have your charges spend the night with you before your flight. You will be given a mild sedative to administer prior to the floght.
What is included in the supply list?
You will be provided with a cat carrier, baby wipes, diaper pads, some churus, food, medical record and any medical supplies required, including some gabapentin to help relax your charges during the journey.
What happens at
the airport?
American Airlines (AA) is the preferred Balam travel partner. At check in for AA, you will have to pay for the cat carrier and may have to pay to check one of your bags. You will be reimbursed for the cat carrier fee, but not for checking a bag because your luggage is more than referenced below. Save your receipt for the carrier. You will be required to remove the cat from the carrier to allow the carrier to go through the X-ray machine. Take your time, get a good grip. Fit the kitties under the seat in front of you ensuring the ventilated side of the carrier is facing you to allow for maximum airflow
How do I manage the cat on the flight?
The carrier should be lined with a diaper pad to absorb pee and you can use the baby wipes to remove poop. You can replace the diaper pad but you must not let the cat out of the carrier per the airline regulations.
What happens when we land?
Request a “private screening” at security. This allows you to take the cats to a private room where you can keep them safe while the security agent runs the carrier through the X-ray machine. Maintain contact with the Adopter and Balam Foundation reps throughout the journey through your specific WhatsApp group. Confirm your arrival status and the contact point for transfer of the kitties from your care to the Adopter’s care
What travel costs can I be reimbursed for?
Receipts are required for reimbursement. Since Balam will be booking most of your travel, the only out of pocket reimbursable costs are:
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Cat carrier fee at airport check in
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If you stay in a hotel, you will be charged a hotel pet fee at check in
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There is the possibility you will be charged the cat carrier fee again when you check in for your onward journey after a night in a hotel
Where can I learn more about the process?