Michael Schneider, originally from New York, discovered his love for animal rescue when he was just six years old.
His passion for this cause has only soared from there.
“That’s how I grew up,” he shared in a conversation, reminiscing about trips to the local SPCA in Briarcliff Manor, New York, where his family would adopt a dog and a cat.
“I also started bringing home injured birds and nursing them back to health,” he added. “By age 11, I had my own pet sitting business.”
Years later, after experiencing a skydiving adventure, he became a commercial pilot, merging his interests of flying and animal welfare.
In 2015, he established the Airborne Angels Group, a nonprofit dedicated to transporting at-risk animals from overcrowded shelters to safer havens.
So far, Schneider and his dedicated team have flown over 353,600 miles and completed 313 rescue missions, saving nearly 4,500 animals along the way.
“I really wanted to make a significant impact with my pilot’s license, so I worked tirelessly for it,” the 48-year-old Brooklyn resident reflected. “Once I heard about using planes for animal rescue, I immediately knew I had to get involved.”
Just this month, Schneider’s nonprofit transported 23 dogs and seven cats from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to New York.
Within two days of conceptualizing this mission, he raised $12,000 from friends and family, encouraging the public to remember that “your furry friends don’t have a voice.”
“People often ask why we use aircraft, and I tell them the quicker we can relocate them, the more lives we can save,” he continued. “These animals sometimes have less than 24 hours before facing euthanasia.”
Transportation involves a mix of land and air travel. Schneider described how much of the initial legwork happens on the ground in a sprinter van before the animals take flight in the morning. This blended approach allows for efficiency and cost savings.
According to Schneider, the animals adapt well once they reach their destination. “They might feel a little queasy from the journey, but as soon as we let them out, their tails start wagging, and they bounce around with excitement,” he noted.
“I really believe animals are smarter than we give them credit for,” he remarked. “People are ready to welcome them, and it’s heartwarming to witness.”
The work isn’t just limited to pets; Schneider’s team also involves itself in the rescue of endangered species, such as wildlife and sometimes even sea turtles.
He mentioned that “at risk” often means animals facing euthanasia or those with medical needs that place a financial strain on shelters and their potential adopters.
Additionally, rescue pilots are one of about ten organizations in the U.S. that operate similar missions from hangars in Essex County, New Jersey.
Certain operations also require collaboration across multiple shelters as smaller facilities may not have enough animals for a full-scale rescue mission.
With a recent transfer from a shelter in Georgetown, South Carolina, the effort involved multiple local facilities with significant needs, creating opportunities for more animals to find homes.
He often hears from adopters who claim that their rescue animal has become the best companion they’ve ever had.
“It truly motivates me. To see where these animals come from—whether it’s neglect, abuse, or being abandoned—it’s heartbreaking,” he expressed. “Our mission is to be the voice for those who can’t speak for themselves.”
Despite all the challenges, Schneider feels that this initiative has not only helped countless animals but also helped him evolve personally.
“I used to be quite self-centered, focused mainly on myself,” he confided. “But I’ve learned that giving back brings more fulfillment. It’s not about me anymore.”
“We aim to make a meaningful impact; this is about creating a different kind of legacy.”
