CALO Member Spotlight: Michael Schneider, Founder & Executive Director, Pilots To The Rescue

For Michael Schneider, purpose and passion have always taken flight—literally.

Photo Credit: Pilots to the Rescue

What began as a spontaneous decision to go skydiving soon became a defining moment in Michael’s life. While the adrenaline rush of the jump was unforgettable, it was the serenity and skill of flying in a small plane that truly captivated him. That moment marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually marry his love of aviation with a deep commitment to animal welfare.

Michael earned his pilot’s license in 2013 and just two years later, founded Pilots To The Rescue (PTTR), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to saving animals from euthanasia by providing life-saving air and ground transport. Pilots To The Rescue  operates with the help of volunteer pilots and drivers, relocating animals from overcrowded shelters and disaster zones to adoption centers and foster homes where they have a real chance at a second life.

With more than 920,000 animals euthanized in U.S. shelters each year, Pilots To The Rescue addresses a critical gap in the animal rescue process—transport. Often, shelters in the South and rural areas are overwhelmed, while organizations in the North or urban areas have the capacity but not the animals. Michael’s innovative model leverages aviation and logistics to close that gap, using planes to efficiently transport animals to safety.

Photo Credit: Pilots to the Rescue

Now a commercial, instrument-rated pilot with over 1,300 hours of flight time, Michael is as comfortable in the cockpit as he is on the frontlines of crisis response. Whether it’s evacuating animals displaced by natural disasters and reuniting them with families, or working with partner rescues to save animals from hoarding or abuse cases, Pilots To The Rescue  brings speed, strategy, and compassion to animal rescue.

As Pilots To The Rescue  celebrates  its 10th anniversary year in 2025, the organization is preparing for major growth. Michael’s vision includes expanding the fleet of planes and transport vans, strengthening the national volunteer network, and responding more rapidly and broadly to climate-related disasters. “We’re not just saving animals,” Michael shares. “We’re improving people’s lives. I hear from adopters who say their pet helped them through grief, loneliness, or depression. That kind of connection is powerful. It reminds me why this work matters.”

Michael’s impact has been recognized by numerous media outlets, including features in Flying Magazine, Pet Age and NBC's Today Show.. 

Photo Credit: Pilots to the Rescue

But perhaps the most meaningful recognition comes from the animals saved, the adopters transformed, and the network of passionate volunteers who share in his mission.

Michael also credits CALO with playing a significant role in his leadership journey. “Forum is a safe place to share challenges whether personal or business. The level of confidentiality enables authentic and emotional downloads to an intimate group.”

He continues, “I share things with calomates that I don’t even share with my wife! It’s hard to find outlets like this in today’s environment without a fear of being judged. I’m CALO for life! It’s such a privilege to have access to a group like this.”

Photo Credit: Daniel Baumel

Michael’s journey from skydiving enthusiast to nonprofit founder is a testament to what happens when you let passion take the lead—and use it to lift others up. With Pilots To The Rescue, he’s not just changing the lives of animals. He’s changing the lives of everyone who crosses their path.

Learn more or support their work: www.pilotstotherescue.org

Watch their story: YouTube Video