Following the tragic death of a 10-month-old puppy during a flight in March, United Airlines has announced major changes to its pet travel policy. The airline had hit the pause button on all new reservations for animals traveling in cargo over the last month, as they assessed their procedures. From the 18th of June, the PetSafe service for cats and dogs traveling in cargo will resume, with updated rules.
The new policy prohibits 21 dog breeds and four cat breeds from being transported in the cargo compartment, bringing United into line with other airlines such as America and Delta, who already refuse to ship these breeds as cargo.
Targeting “brachycephalic” (short or snub-nosed) dogs and cats or strong jawed dog breeds, which studies have shown are at higher risk of developing breathing problems, the ban includes boxers, pugs, Boston terriers, and Persian and Himalayan cats.
United Airlines says they will still allow dogs and cats into the cabins, including several of the breeds that are prohibited from the cargo service, provided they are small enough to fit into carriers that can be stored under the seat.
Further policy changes mean the carrier will no longer transport any animals to or from airports in Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Phoenix and Tucson between 1st of May and 30th September every year, as temperatures may climb to unsafe ranges.
United announced that they have begun working closely with animal welfare organization American Humane,“to improve the well-being of all pets that travel on United.”
“As we continue our review process to ensure that we are always doing what’s right, we are committed to making significant improvements in our program and adhering to the best practices of animal comfort, well-being and travel on behalf of our customers and their pets,” said Jan Krems, United’s vice president of cargo.
These new policies come in the wake of public outrage about multiple incidents involving United’s handling of animals; including one dog death and two dogs being shipped to incorrect destinations. In total, United is responsible for far more animal deaths than any other U.S. airline.
The unnecessary death of French bulldog Kokito was met with anger by animal lovers worldwide, and Lady Freethinker launched a petition urging for the creation of a strong, effective policy to protect the animals under their care. We hope this is just the beginning of a process that will ensure that no more animals die at the hands of United.
What’s New…
Please have a heart for the animals
A day late and a dollar short. I will no longer use United…..not only for my animals, but for me. If they don’t care about my animals, they don’t get my business.
How about other animals? A giant rabbit died on board too. This airline is dirt.
It is about time.!!!! Guess they were afraid of losing customers. LOL.
Change that needed to happen!
Thank You !
I still wouldn’t trust them with MY dog.
PETS ARE NOT LUGGAGE!! It is about time too bad many dogs had to die for the company to take this seriously. Last comment, the stewardess who made the lady put her animal in the overhead needs to be fired and the person who owned the dog should not be allowed toown a dog because your ignorance caused your dog to die. You are responsible too
Glad to hear that there making some changes
About time. It’s taken long enough.
Just what I was thinking these changes are long over due.
I am very glad to hear that United has upgraded its policy concerning animals that are flying on board their airline. It’s about time they addressed this very serious issue and did something about it.
The dog should never have suffocated to death. The dog should not have been placed in an overhead bin. The poor dog barked and barked and no one stepped in. Then the puppy suffocated to death. This is sick! Animals are family. They are not possessions. R.I.P. sweet puppy. You did not deserve this.
Glad to hear United Airlines is getting on board with the other airline rules. No more pet deaths from neglect.