Two Dogs Die During Air Travel in February 2025

Two dogs died during airline transport in February. The incidents, reported by Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, occurred on separate flights and involved large breed dogs.

Doberman Found Deceased Before Loading in Seattle

On February 10, an 11-year-old Doberman Pinscher named Zeus was found dead at the gate at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport before being loaded onto Alaska Airlines Flight 893. The dog, weighing 104 pounds, was discovered deceased during pre-boarding procedures.

The airline listed the cause of death as unknown, and no corrective actions were reported following the incident. No postmortem examination has been indicated, leaving unanswered questions about the dog's death while in the airline’s custody.

Catahoula Leopard Dog Dies During Flight from Guam to Honolulu

In a separate incident, a Catahoula Leopard Dog named Ina died during a United Airlines flight from Guam to Honolulu on February 4. According to the report, the dog was accepted for transport with a valid health certificate and appeared in good health during pre-flight checks. The dog was loaded onto Flight UA200 and transported without incident until arrival.

Upon landing in Honolulu, ramp staff discovered the dog unresponsive. United Airlines stated the likely cause was a pre-existing medical condition that was not detectable at the time of acceptance and was not noted on the health certificate. The airline reported that no corrective action was taken, citing the absence of any clear steps that could have prevented the incident.