The Risks Of Flying With Your Pet
By Amy E. Feldman
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Can't bear the thought of lying on the beach while your beloved companion of the four-legged variety stays in a kennel? If you are considering bringing your pet on the plane with you, you may want to reconsider.
A woman has sued Delta airlines, claiming that three of her eleven (yes, eleven) dogs died after the airline left the dogs in a holding pen where temperatures reached 120 degrees without food or water.
You can find out your airline's record of pet safety before you go on vacation. The Federal Aviation Administration's regulations now require air carriers to include incidents involving pets on the Transportation Department's consumer report on airline safety.
In 2011, 35 pets died on board airplanes, 9 pets were injured, and two were lost. Bet you never considered that you could find yourself in Ft. Meyers and Fido could land in Fairbanks, did you?
In fact, the Humane Society of the US suggests that you rethink the decision to take your pet with you. If you do take the pet, check beforehand what immunizations and type of carrier are required, and ask if your small pet can go in the passenger compartment with you.
You may just be best off leaving the pet at home, relaxing alone on your vacation and then giving extra walks to your pet when you arrive home safely.
