May 2006 Airline Pet Travel Report

The March 2006 report on the loss, injury, or death of animals during air travel lists two injuries this month, though in reality it is one death and one injury

Pinnacle Airlines, operating as Northwest Airlink, reported the injury of a cat that was unable to walk on his hind leg after the flight. The owner took the cat to the vet, no broken bones were found, but an abscess was discovered and antibiotics were prescribed. It is not clear if the air travel was related to this injury.

Continental reported the injury of a male Australia Shepherd who landed in Houston showing obvious signs of distress. The dog was immediately taken to a nearby Animal Emergency Clinic for treatment where he died shortly after arrival. The owners and the dogs vet were aware of a pre-existing condition that made it difficult for the dog to get sufficient air.

It remains very important for everyone to make a critical evaluation of their pets ability to fly successfully. While air travel for pets is overwhelmingly safe, it is a stressful ordeal for the animals and the bottom line is that some pets just should not travel by air.