Calgary, Canada. 31 March 2025. WestJet Cargo is proud to announce its official cooperation with The Beagle Alliance, reinforcing its commitment to the safe and compassionate transport of rescued animals across Canada. Through this collaboration, WestJet Cargo provides secure air travel for beagles rescued from research facilities, ensuring they reach their forever homes quickly and with minimal stress.
The relationship between pet air travel specialist WestJet Cargo and The Beagle Alliance was formed through a shared commitment to animal welfare and safe transport. The Beagle Alliance rescues former research animals who would otherwise be euthanized and advocates for animal free science.
Named after beagles, since they are the most used breed of dog in animal testing, the NGO helps former research pets adjust to freedom and live in a family environment.
Initially, The Beagle Alliance had concerns about air travel for their rescued dogs due to their history of trauma. However, when Founder Lori Cohen’s dog Poppy was successfully transported via WestJet Cargo from Vancouver to Winnipeg, they recognized that air travel was a faster, less stressful alternative to long-haul ground transport. Since then, WestJet Cargo has become the preferred carrier for relocating rescued beagles across Canada.
“Canada is a large country, and ground transport is simply not always feasible. When our first rescue, Poppy, was flown via WestJet Cargo, we realized that this was a reliable and compassionate option for our animals. It is both a blessing and an honour to work with WestJet Cargo in getting these beautiful dogs to their forever homes kindly and with the utmost care.” said Lori Cohen, Founder and Executive Director of The Beagle Alliance.
As the official transport provider of The Beagle Alliance, WestJet Cargo ensures that rescued beagles are relocated safely and efficiently to their adoptive families. Leveraging its expertise in pet transportation and specialized teams, WestJet Cargo aims to rescue and relocate 50 former research beagles to homes across Canada this year. Additionally, WestJet Cargo will help raise awareness for The Beagle Alliance’s mission, supporting their efforts to place former research beagles into loving homes, secure donations, and expand rescue operations.
“At WestJet Cargo, safety and care are at the core of everything we do. Our expertise in animal transportation has made us the trusted airline for pets. Working with The Beagle Alliance aligns perfectly with our values, and we are proud to play a role in giving these animals a new lease on life,” said Kirsten de Bruijn, Executive Vice President, Cargo.
Since 2022, WestJet Cargo has successfully transported eight beagles across Canada, the most recent been flown from Winnipeg to Vancouver and landing safely into the arms of his new family. The carrier will continue its efforts to ensure rescued beagles make a safe and comfortable transition from “LAB to LOVE.”
