The recent dog death on United Airlines has people talking about the safety of traveling with your pet. Most animals make it their destination safely. But some do not. There were 24 deaths last year due to transporting by air.
The most recent happened this past Monday, on a United Airlines flight from Houston to New York.
The owners of a French bulldog named Kokito say the flight attendant ordered them to put his carrier in an overhead bin. At the end of the flight, the dog was found dead.
United apologized and said the flight attendant did not know there was a dog inside the carrier.
Kent County Animal Shelter Veterinarian Kristin Davison says that airline travel can be safe. But, you need to be prepared.
That includes getting your dog a check-up, making sure they have up-to-date shots and finding the best time to fly.
“You have to know your dog and the specifics of air travel. If you can get a direct flight that’s the shortest, that’s the best," said Davison. "If you have a super anxious dog, talk about the best medication with your veterinarian that might be helpful for your dog."
"There are some breeds that you need to be extra careful with. Those includes dogs or cats with breathing issues like bulldogs or Persian cats. They can overheat, get agitated, and suffocate inside a carrier."
The Humane Society also has tips. You can find them here.
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