A detailed door-to-door solution was needed to transport the animals during extreme weather conditions.
Relocating 58 rescue cats across states
We were tasked with arranging the door-to-door relocation of 58 rescue cats from Texas to Idaho. Whilst an aircraft charter was the fastest option, extreme temperatures in both locations meant we needed to ensure the cats didn’t overheat on the way to the departure airport or get too cold when transferring to their final destination. We got to work on a plan that met these complex requirements.
Our Solution
Route: Houston > Coeur d'Alene
Aircraft: Fairchild Swearingen Metro III
We promptly sent the client a proposed solution, sourcing a turboprop that was the ideal size to transport the cats and a chaperone.
As temperature-controlled vehicles are typically reserved for pharmaceuticals or perishable goods, many hire companies were hesitant to handle live animals due to risk of contamination. Instead, we avoided the heat in Houston by scheduling an early-morning departure and rented a removal van equipped with heaters to keep the animals warm in Idaho.
The cats were made comfortable in crates and driven to the airport, where they were carefully hand-loaded onto the aircraft. Landing in Idaho, they were transferred to the heated van for the last leg of the journey. Their new home was at the top of a steep hill, so we had a pick-up truck on standby to assist if the van struggled on the incline in freezing conditions.
The Finer Details
Specialist Expertise: Our experienced team obtained the necessary medical certificates for all 58 cats, meeting USDA and animal safety laws in both states, giving the client peace of mind that everything was handled with care and in full compliance.