Safety and Frequently Asked Questions

Fly Hawaii Cats is built on planning, accountability, and care.

Below are answers to common questions about how the program works and how we keep cats safe before, during, and after travel.

  • Fly Hawaii Cats is a volunteer powered transport program that helps cats travel from Hawaii to the mainland. We work with rescue organizations, rescue cat cafés, and approved adopters to ensure every cat has a confirmed placement before flying.

    Cats never travel without a plan.

  • Cats transported through Fly Hawaii Cats are only sent once there is a confirmed receiving rescue or approved adopter in place.

    All transports are either rescue to rescue or adoptions coordinated through a partner rescue. If an adoption does not work out, the cat returns to the partner rescue, not the shelter system.

    Every cat has a safety net.

  • No. Fly Hawaii Cats does not do random or speculative transports.

    Every flight is coordinated in advance with medical clearance, airline approval, and a confirmed receiving organization or adopter.

  • Before travel, cats receive required veterinary care, which may include:

    • Health checks
    • Age appropriate spay or neuter
    • Required vaccinations
    • Microchipping and medical records

    Cats are cleared for air travel before departure.

  • Cats are received by established rescue organizations, rescue cat cafés with adoption programs, or approved adopters working through a partner rescue.

    We only work with partners who meet our standards for animal welfare and accountability.

  • If an adoption does not work out, the cat is returned to the partner rescue.

    Cats transported through Fly Hawaii Cats are never left without support or follow up responsibility.

  • Fly Hawaii Cats has been operating for several years and has helped hundreds of cats travel safely to rescue partners and homes on the mainland, with a strong track record of successful placements.

  • Cats fly in cabin with volunteer flight escorts, known as Flight Angels, who already have confirmed airline tickets.

    Fly Hawaii Cats coordinates logistics, provides clear instructions, and ensures cats are safely handed off at both departure and arrival airports.

  • Hawaii faces limited adoption capacity, high intake numbers, and geographic isolation.

    Partnering with mainland rescues and cat cafés allows more cats to find homes while easing pressure on local shelters and resources.

  • At TSA screening, cats must be removed from their carrier so the carrier can go through the X ray machine. This moment is one of the highest risk points during travel.

    The mesh bag system:

    • Keeps cats secure and contained
    • Reduces the risk of escape or panic
    • Allows TSA screening without loose cats in the airport
    • Protects the cat, the volunteer, and TSA staff

    Even calm cats can become frightened in loud, unfamiliar environments. This system prevents dangerous situations and has been proven across hundreds of flights.

  • Yes. Transparency matters to us.

    We are always happy to explain our process, share success stories, and answer questions about how the program works.