September 2011 Airline Pet Travel Report

Alaska Airlines reports the death of a six year-old Pug traveling from Houston, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska. When the passenger went to pick up their dog, they noticed that it was not moving. Alaska Airlines does not indicate at an necropsy was performed.

American Airlines reports the death of three dogs.

A two and a half year-old Greyhound named Gullen arrived deceased in Santiago, Chile from Miami, Florida. Three other dogs arrived safely. The exact cause of death was undetermined at the time of the report. A necropsy was not provided and veterinary officials at Santiago Chile did not offer an official opinion on the cause of death.

A seven year-old Yorkshire Terrier named Pety died during a flight from Miami, Florida to Medellin, Colombia. The passenger mentioned that she gave both dogs a “natural calming formula Level 3”. Her second dog, a 10 year old Yorkshire Terrier named Tiny, appeared to be in distress, but was allowed to enter the country.

A two month old Miniature Schnauzer puppy died while waiting for transport in Dallas, Texas. The necropsy indicated a viral infection and was not related to air travel.

Delta reports the death of a six-year old female, yellow Labrador Retriever named Katie. Katie was transferred at Atlanta, Georgia and the plane encountered multiple delays and was unable to take off. Upon returning to the gate, Katie was found dead. The necropsy has not been returned at the time of the report, but Delta indicated that additional steps will be taken in the future to open cargo doors on delayed aircraft that are transporting pets.

Delta also reports the death of a six year-old Mini Pincher named Rocky. But this is another case where the animal was in distress before air travel and was not accepted for transport.