February 2011 Airline Pet Travel Report

Alaska Airlines reports the death of an eight month old Lab / Chow / Healer mix. The dog escaped its kennel during a plane transfer in Seattle, Washington. Several weeks later the dog was found deceased near a highway interchange where it had been hit and killed by a car.

American Airlines reports the death of an eight week old male Wheaten Terrier upon arrival in Dallas, Texas from Kansas City, Missouri. While a necropsy was performed, the results were not available at the time of the report.

Continental reports the death of a four year old English Bulldog named Zeus. Zeus arrived deceased in Guam, from a flight originating in Honolulu, Hawaii. The necropsy stated “acute cardiovascular collapse”. Two other dogs traveling in the same compartment arrived safely.

Delta reports the injury of a five year old Spaniel Mix, named Molly who injured herself trying to escape her kennel. She was examined by a kenneling facility, no serious injuries were found and was allowed to resume her flight.

Delta reports the death of a Shepard Mix, named Nala. Nala was able to escape her kennel during loading. She was found deceased 11 days later near a major interstate. The necropsy report indicated she was likely hit by a car.

A 10 year old cat named Ra arrived deceased in Johannesburg, South Africa from Atlanta, Georgia and originating from Phoenix, Arizona. At the time of the report, the necropsy has not been received. Delta does indicate that the cat should have been held overnight but was instead placed directly on the Johannesburg flight.

Delta also included an incident that should have been included in the January 2011 report. A two year old English Bulldog named Kila Kila arrived deceased in Los Angeles, California from Honolulu, Hawaii. Delta reports that all aircraft temperature controls were working normally, but Kila Kila was improperly accepted because the temperatures in Honolulu exceeded Delta's internal policy for snub-nosed breeds.

Please remember to secure all kennel doors with zip-ties during transport.