Airlines Are Breaking The Rules So That Pets Can Escape The Fires With Their Humans

Since May 1, Canadian firefighters have been fighting tirelessly to control the massive wildlife which has ravaged the town of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada.

In what is the largest natural disaster the country has ever known, over 100,000 residents have had to flee their homes, leaving behind all their possessions.

^{Source : @Wikimedia}

But for the people with pets, there was absolutely no way they were leaving without their four-legged companions.

However, two Canadian airlines, West Jet and Canadian North, disobeyed the rules and made sure these humans wouldn't have to part from their beloved animals.

Thank you @CanadianNorth for flying evacuees & pets out of #ymm, & to your lovely flight attendants for sharing pics pic.twitter.com/cRru8wU8Cw

— michelledhatt (@michelledhatt) May 6, 2016

Despite the fact that pets aren't allowed on flights, the airlines made an exception allowing all dogs and cats to stay right beside their anxious humans in the cabin.

Canadian North Air and West Jet letting pets onboard for those fleeing Fort Mac. #united #fortmac #Canada pic.twitter.com/EBnXAqXtgY

— Melissa Przedborski (@mprzedborski) May 7, 2016

A spokesperson for Canadian North told the Huffington Post:

It's definitely unusual to carry pets in the cabin, but due to the unusual circumstances we were able to bend the rules to accommodate these animals.

Thx for all the kudos everyone. Happy to help move 2 & 4 legged pax from #ymm. Our FA Heidi shared this pic on FB 🙂 pic.twitter.com/IBChAWzMba

— Canadian North ✈ (@CanadianNorth) May 6, 2016

The animals were everywhere to be seen on the flights, on people's laps, in seats, or lying down in the alleys:

So many pictures of @CanadianNorth helping evacuate people and their pets 💚😭 pic.twitter.com/4OOLy6yDAk

— Ali Blair (@AliBlair112) May 6, 2016

The airline's amazing gesture has warmed the hearts of internet users worldwide, and received international praise.