February 2007 Airline Pet Travel Report

Alaskan Airlines reports the death of one and the injury of two dogs. The death was a pug, but no additional information was given. The first injury was a dog that escaped its kennel and received a broken leg in the process. The second injury was a small greyhound that had managed to get her jaws locked while biting the wire kennel door.

Delta reports the loss of a cat who escaped from a kennel that was not securely closed due to a missing bolt on the kennel. At the time of the report submission, the cat had not been captured. Delta indicated that they would follow up with the station manager on the proper procedure to verify that the kennel is in good working order, but this should also be the responsibility of the owner shipping the pet.

Northwest listed two losses, on for December and one for November. A dog escaped from its kennel when a Northwest agent opened the kennel to allow the owner to retrieve the dogs collar that was on the floor of the kennel. The dog was finally found three weeks later. This event will help you understand why the airlines won't let you open the kennel while it under their control. A cat also escaped from its kennel in late November. The cat has yet to be found, though Northwest has offered a reward. There was no damage to the kennel.

United also reports the loss of a cat. On arrival to Dulles, the kennel door was found open and the cat missing. The cat was found about two weeks later.

The summary of this month's report is: Be careful flying short-nosed pets. Make sure your kennel is in perfect condition and use zip ties to secure the door as well as the two haves if appropriate. And finally do everything you can to make sure your pet is comfortable spending time in their kennel before you fly.