We often hear about the “cat distribution system” as a playful concept, but in reality, there are pets in need of real-life distribution to find their forever homes. These animals rely on volunteers to transport them across the country, sometimes even across the world. One such dedicated volunteer is Nick Reyzin, a commercial pilot from Seminole, Florida, who is making a big impact by using his flying skills to help rescue animals.
Pilots N Paws: Flying Pets to a New Life
Non-profit organizations like Pilots N Paws connect volunteer pilots with rescued animals, helping to fly them to safety. Sometimes, the flights take these pets to no-kill shelters, while other times, they deliver them directly to their new families, even if they live hundreds of miles away.
In areas where shelters are overcrowded, these pilots often save animals from “death row,” giving them a second chance at life. The animals they fly range from cats and dogs to rabbits, reptiles, and even chickens and fawns.
One of these heroic pilots is Nick Reyzin, known on TikTok as Nick Raisin. Recently, he shared one of his “most memorable flights ever,” where he flew with kittens and a puppy on board.
A Pilot for the Cat Distribution System
On TikTok, Pilot Nick shared his experience flying with a group of kittens in his 1964 Piper Comanche 250.
These beautiful, healthy kittens were on the brink of being euthanized, but thanks to Nick’s volunteer work, they now have a chance at a new life.
“Hard to believe these lil guys were one day away from being euthanized. Blessed to be able to give them a chance for a new life. Fly Pilots n’ Paws!” he wrote.
After posting the video on social media, it went viral, gaining over a million views. In the comments, Nick explained that most of his flights originate from Bainbridge, Georgia, and head to places like New England. However, on this particular flight, he flew from North Alabama to Central Florida.
“Another day as a pilot for the cat distribution system,” he joked.
Volunteers for Pilots N Paws
Pilots N Paws also shared Nick’s viral video on their Facebook page, highlighting the importance of their work. While many people are familiar with puppies being flown to safety, Pilots N Paws also flies cats and kittens to a better future.
“We’re often asked if we provide Freedom Flights for cats and kittens. Yes, we do. Volunteer PNP pilot Nick Reyzin recently did a flight for kittens from North Alabama to Central Florida. His video actually went viral on TikTok. Let’s see if we can do the same for him on Facebook. Honestly, is there anything cuter than a crate full of kittens?” shared Pilots N Paws.
Pilot Flies 15 Kittens and a Puppy to New Lives
In an earlier TikTok video, Pilot Nick flew 15 kittens and one puppy to their forever homes.
This two-hour flight featured the fluffiest, multi-colored kittens, who mostly slept in their secure crate. However, Nick made sure to give them a VIP view of the clouds from the cockpit.
Can you imagine what these kitties must have thought, seeing the sky all around them? “I can fly?” they might have wondered.
After landing on the next leg of their journey, the adorable passengers took a moment to rest on the plane’s wing before another volunteer arrived to carry them safely to their destinations. It takes a village, and having a volunteer pilot willing to take to the skies makes all the difference. Could this be your future mission or perhaps someone you know?
“Without a doubt, one of my most memorable flights!” Nick shared.
A Heartwarming Mission
Nick Reyzin’s dedication to saving animals by volunteering his time and skills is truly inspiring. Thanks to pilots like him, countless pets have been given a second chance at life. If you’re interested in helping, organizations like Pilots N Paws are always looking for volunteers to join their mission of saving lives, one flight at a time.